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PLAIN TALKS 



ON 



MATERIA MEDICA 



WITH 



COMPARISONS 



BY 
WlLLARD IDE PIERCE, M.D. 



Philadelphia: 

BOERICKE & TaFEL 

1911 






copybighted 1911, 
By Boekicke & Tafel. 



?/ 



©CI.A286636 



INDEX OF COMPARISONS 



-Aggravation — 

air, 5 

acids (see Stomach, worse acids), 

176 
alone, fear of being left (see 

Fear), 80 
food and drink, 5 
heat, 8 

sun (see Aggravation, sun), 
8 
looking at running water, 8 
lying, 8 
people, aversion to, 8 

consolation, no desire for 
(see Melancholia, weep- 
ing), 132 
sleep, loss of, 8 

sun, headache (see Headache, 
worse sun), 98 
vertigo (see Vertigo, worse 
sun), 207 
thinking of his symptoms, 8 
water, washing in, 8 
weather, 9 

wine (see Aggravation, food 
and drink), 5 
Amelioration, desire for — 
air, 9 
alone, 9 

aversion to people, 9 
food and drink, 9 
heat, 10 
lying (see Aggravation, lying), 

8 
walking, 10 

must walk, 10 
Abdomen, 11 
Abortion, 13 



Acne, 14 

After-pains (see Pregnancy), 153 

Alcohol, to cure desire for, 15 

agg. or amel. from (see Agg. or 

Amel., food and drink), 5 or 9 

Amenorrhea (see Menstruation), 

134 
Amputations, neuralgia after, 15 
Anaemia, 15 
Chlorosis, 17 
Aneurism, 18 
Anger, gastralgia, from, 18 

cough from (see Cough, worse 
anger), 41 
Angina pectoris (see Heart, kind 

of, angina pectoris), 107 
Ankles (see Extremities), 71 
Antrum of Highmore, diseases of ,18 
Anus (see Rectum), 158 
Aphasia, 18 

Aphthae (see Mouth), 140 
Apoplexy, 18 
Ascites (see Abdomen, dropsy of), 

11 
Asphyxia neonatorum, 19 
Asthma, 19 

Back, 21 

Bed, slips down in, 21 

sores, 21 
Bladder, 21 

Body, sensation (see Sensation) ,165 
Boils, 22 
Bones, diseases of, 22 

exostoses, 22 
Brain (see Head), 90 

fag (see Headache, worse, brain- 
fag), 93 



IV 



INDEX OF COMPARISONS. 



Breasts, 22 

Breath, 24 

Breathing- 
better, 24 
worse, 24 
kind of, 25 

Broncho -pneumonia (see Pneu- 
monia, broncho), 151 

Bronchorrhcea, 26 

Bruises of soft parts, ecchymosed, 26 

Buboes, 26 

Canker sores (see Mouth), 140 

Carbuncles, 27 

Carphology, 27 

Charcoal fumes, troubles from, 27 

Cheek, 27 

Chest, 27 

Children, 30 

Chilblains, 31 

Chill, congestive, 31 

Chlorosis (see following Anaemia), 

17 
Cholera, 31 

infantum, 31 
Chordee, 31 
Chorea, 31 
Climacteric, 32 

Clothes, tendency to throw off the, 33 
Coccyx, 34 

Cold, catches, etc. (see Aggravation, 
air), 5 

extremities (see Extremities), 71 
Colic (see Stomach), 174 
Collapse, 34 
Condylomata, 34 
Constipation, 34 
Convulsions from, 35 
Corns, 37 
Coryza — 

better, 37 

worse, 37 

kind of, 37 

with, 39 



Cough- 
better, 40 
worse, 40 
kind of, 44 
causes and with, 49 

Cramps in calves, 52 

Croup, 52 
false, 53 

Crosswise symptoms, 53 

Cyanosis (see Venous congestion),. 
207 

Cysts of broad ligament, 53 
ovary, 53 

Dandruff, 53 
Dark, fear of, 53 
Delirium and delusions, 53 
Dementia, senile, 55 
Dentition (see Teeth), 187 
Desires (see Amelioration), 9 
Diabetes — 

insipidus, 56 

mellitus, 56 
Diaphragm, 56 
Diarrhoea or dysentery — 

better, 57 

worse, 57 

kind of, 58 

with, 60 

must do, 62 
Diphtheria, 62 
Diseases, acute exacerbation of, 

62 
Dissecting wounds, 62 
Dreams of death, 62 
Dropsy, general, 63 
Drunkards, to cure (see Alcohol), 15 
Dysmenorrhoea (see Menstrua- 
tion), 139 
Dyspepsia (see Stomach), 174 
Dyspnoea (see Breathing), 24 

Ear, 63 
Eustachian tube, 65 



INDEX OF COMPARISONS. 



Ecchymoses, 65 

Eczema, 65 

Elephantiasis, 66 

Emphysema, 66 

Enuresis (see Urine, with enuresis), 
198 

Epilepsy, 66 
hystero, 68 

Epithelioma, 68 

Eructations (see Stomach), 175, 
181 

Erysipelas, 68 

Examination, dread of, 69 

Exanthemata (see Measles, Scar- 
let fever), 130, 164 

Exhaustion (see Prostration), 155 

Expectoration, 69 

Extremities, 71 

Eye, 72 

vision, 77 

Eyelids, 78 

Face, 79 

Fainting, easy, with suppression of 

menses, 80 
False labor pains, 80 
Family, aversion to, 80 
Fat, 80 
Fear, 80 
Felons, 81 

Feet (see Extremities), 71 
Fingers (see Extremities), 71 
Flatus, 81 

Fontanelles, open too long, 82 
Formication, 82 
Freckles, 82 
Frost-bites, 82 

Gall-stone colic, 82 

with jaundice, 82 
Gangrene, 82 
Gastralgia (see under Stomach), 

174 
Glands, 82 



Gleet, 83 

Globus hystericus (see, Hysteria, 

globus hystericus), 119 
Goitre, 83 

exophthalmic, 83 
Gonorrhoea, 84 
Gout, 84 

Gravel (see Kidney, gravel), 124 
Growing pains, 84 
Gums, 84 

Haemorrhage, 84 

Haemorrhoids, 85 

Hair, 88 

Hamstrings, contraction of, 88 

Hands (see Extremities), 71 

Hay-fever, 88 

Head, 90 

Headache- 
better, 92 
worse, 93 
kind of, 98 
with, 104 

Heart- 
better, 107 
worse, 107 
kind of and with, 107 

Heat, lack of vital, 114 

Heartburn, 114 
waterbrash, 114 

Hectic fever after suppuration, 114 

Heel (see Extremities), 71 

Hernia, 114 

Herpes zoster, 114 

facial neuralgia after, 116 

Hiccough, 116 

Highmore, antrum of, diseases, 117 

Hip- joint disease, 117 

Hives (see Urticaria), 201 

Hoarseness and aphonia, 117 

Homesickness, 119 

Hunger, ravenous, 119 

Hydrocele, 119 

Hydrocephalus, 119 



INDEX OF COMPARISONS. 



Hydrophobia, 119 

Hydrothorax (see Chest, dropsy of 
pleura), 29 

Hyperesthesia (see under Sensi- 
tiveness), 166 

Hysteria, 119 

hystero-epilepsy, 120 

Impotency (see Sexual organs, 
male, impotency), 168 

Inflammation- 
plastic infiltration, 120 
serous infiltration, 120 

Insane, fear of becoming, 120 

Intercostal neuralgia, 120 

Intercurrent remedies, 121 

Intermittent fever, 121 

Irritableness (see Swearing), 184 
with anaemia, 122 

Itching, 122 

Ivy poisoning (see Rhus poison- 
ing), 163 

Jaundice, 122 

with gall stones, 123 
Jaw, 123 

Kidney, 123 
Knee, 125 

Labor (see Pregnancy), 153 
Lachrymal fistula, 125 

stricture, 125 
Laryngeal phthisis, 125 
Laryngismus stridulus (see 

Croup, false), 53 
L. -sided remedies, 125 
Lead colic, 126 
Leucorrhoea, 126 
Ligament, broad, 127 
Lips, 127 
Liver, 127 

Lochia (see Pregnancy, lochia), 153 
Locomotor ataxia, 127 



Love, ill effects from, 128 
Lumbago, 128 
Lupus, 128 

Malar bone (see Face, neuralgia of 

malar bone), 80 
Malnutrition, 129 
Mania, 129 
Marasmus, 129 

Mastitis (see Breasts, mastitis), 22 
Mastoid (see Ear, mastoid disease), 

64 
Masturbation (see Sexual organs, 

male, excesses), 167 
Measles, 130 
Melancholia, 131 
Memory, loss of, 133 
Meningitis, 133 
Menstruation — 

better, 134 

worse, 134 

kind of, 134 

with, 138 
Mercury, ill effects of, 139 
Mesenteric glands, diseases of, 139 
Micturition (see under Urine), 193 
Milk, scanty or suppressed, 139 
Miscarriage (see Abortion), 13 
Mouth, 140 
Moon, 141 

Mucous patches, 141 
Muscles, injuries to, 141 

Naevus, 141 
Nails — 

finger, 141 
toe, 141 
Neck, 141 

Negro, remedies for, 142 
Nephritis (see Kidney, nephritis), 

124 
Nerves, 142 

Night- sweats (see Sweat, night- 
sweats), 185 



INDEX OF COMPARISONS. 



Nipples, cracked, 142 

Nose- 
worse, 142 
kind of, 142 

Numbness, 146 

Nursing, 146 

Nymphomania, 146 

(Esophagus, 147 
Old people, 147 

Orchitis(see Testicles, orchitis), 188 
Ovary, 147 
Oxaluria, 148 
Ozsena, 148 

Pains, 148 

Pancreas, diseases of, 149 
Paralysis, 149 
Paresis, 149 
Pharynx, 149 
Phthisis, 149 
Placenta, retained, 150 
Pleurisy, 150 
Pneumonia, 150 

broncho, 151 

hypostatic, 152 
Polypi, 152 

Polyuria (see Urine, increased), 199 
Pott's disease, 152 
Pregnancy, 152 
Prickly heat, 155 
Prostate, 155 
Prostration, 155 
Pruritus, i56 
Psoriasis, 158 
Purpura haemorrhagica, 158 

Quinine, antidote to, 158 
Quinsy, 158 

Rectum and anus, 158 
Religious melancholia (see Melan- 
cholia, religious), 131 
Renal colic (see Kidney, colic), 123 
Restlessness, 160 



Rheumatism — 

better, 160 

worse, 160 

kind of, 161 

with, 163 
Rhus poisoning, 163 
R. -sided remedies, 163 
Run-rounds, 163 

Salivation, 163 
Salpingitis, 163 
Satyriasis, 163 
Scapula, 163 
Sciatica — 

better, 163 

worse, 164 

with, 164 
Scratching (see Itching), 122 
Scrotum, 164 
Scarlet fever, 164 
Seasickness, 165 
Sensation, 165 
Senile dementia, 166 
gangrene, 166 
Sensitiveness, 166 
Sexual organs, male, 167 
Shoulder, 168 
Skin, 169 
Sleep, 169 
Sleeplessness, 169 
Smallpox, 170 
Smell, 170 

Soles (see Extremities, soles), 72 
Soreness (see Sensation, soreness; 

as if beaten), 166 
Spermatic cord, 171 
Spine, 171 
Spleen, 173 
Sprains, 173 
Strains, 173 
Sterility, 173 
Sternum, 173 
Stiff neck, 174 
Stomach — 
better, 174 



INDEX OF COMPARISONS. 



Stomach- 
worse, 175 
kind of, 178 
with, 181 . 

Stone, tendency to formation of, 
182 

Strains (see following Sprains), 173 

Stupor, difficult to rouse, 182 

Stuttering, 182 

Styes, 183 

Subsultus tendinum, 183 

Suicide, 183 

Sun-stroke (see Headache, worse 
sun), 98 
vertigo from the sun, 183 

Suppuration, 183 

Swallowing, 183 

Swearing, including temper, 184 

Sweat, 185 

Syphilis, 186 

Taste, 186 

Tea-drinking, bad effects from 
(see Aggravation, food and drink, 
tea; Heart, kind of, tea), 7, 114 
Teeth, 186 

toothache — 
better, 187 
worse, 187 
Testicles, 188 
Tetanus, 189 
Thirstless remedies, 189 
Throat— worse, 189 

kind of, 189 
Tongue, 192 

Tonic after exhausting diseases 
(see Prostration, following severe 
diseases), 156 
Tonsils, 192 
Touch- 
sensitiveness to (see Sensitive- 
ness to touch), 166 
hyperesthesia (see Sensitive- 
ness, hyperesthesia), 166 
Trachea, 192 



Trembling, 192 
Twitching of extremities, 193 
Tympanitis (see Abdomen, tym- 
panitis), 13 
Typhoid, 193 
Typhus, 193 

Ulcers- 
gangrenous (see Gangrene), 82 
varicose (see Veins, varicose), 
205 
Uraemic — 

convulsions, 193 
headache, 193 
Urea increased, 193 
Urine— better, 193 

kind of and with, 193 
must do, 200 
Urticaria, 201 
Uterus, 202 
Uvula, 204 

Vaccination, 205 

Vagina, 205 

Vaginismus, 205 

Veins, varicose, and ulcers, 205 

Venous congestion, 207 

Vertebrae, caries of, 207 

Vertigo, 207 

Vocal cords, 207 

Voice breaks on trying to sing, 207 

Vomiting, 208 

Walk- 

better from and must (see Ame- 
lioration, walking,) 10 

slow in learning to, 208 
Warts, 208 
Waterbrash, 208 

heartburn, 208 
Worms, 208 
Wounds, dissecting, 209 
Writer's cramp, 209 

Yellow fever, 209 



PREFACE 



The following comparisons were made with the idea of induc- 
ing students of our materia medica to get the repertory habit, 
and only those remedies having the symptoms more or less 
prominent are included. 

As it was arranged to be of assistance in office prescribing 
for the general practitioner, symptoms rather than diseased 
states have been sought for; when possible, differentiations have 
been made for the particular symptom or condition referred to. 

Allen's Handbook has been taken as the guide, and otherwise 
unacknowledged matter is, for the most part, from that source. 

When others have elaborated a symptom, or given additional 
indications for a remedy, acknowledgment is made at the end 
of such added matter, so that the authority can be readily con- 
sulted. When the name of the remedy alone is given, it has 
not been found feasible to state the authority here for such 
symptom, but it is given in the materia medica portion of the 
work. 

Many of our most valued indications for a remedy are due to 
the experience and work of the individual ; space is left to record 
such additional indications, as well as for those symptoms that 
one has raised to a higher grade than that given in our various 
works. 

I will feel greatly indebted to all who will send me the results 
of their experience, and in return, will forward to each one all 
other additions that may be sent me, together with the names 
of those vouching for such symptoms. 

Willard Ide Pierce. 
2 



Comparisons. 



Aggravation — 

air, sensitive to — Aeon., Agar., Ars., Calc. carb., Camph., 
Caps., Carb. an., Cistus, Clem., Coccul., Cyclam., Dulc, 
Gels., Hep. s., Kali carb., Kali phos., Menth. p., Merc, 
nit., Merc, v., Nat. mur., Nux mosch., Nux v., Phos., 
Rhodo., Rhus t., Rumex, Sabad., Selen., Sil., Spong., 
Viola t. (refer Amelioration, heat), 
cold, dry — Aeon., Carb. an., Hep. s., Spong. 

wet — (see Aggravation, weather), 
lack of vital heat — (see Heat, lack of), 
fear of warm or cold drafts — Caps., Coccul., Hep. s., 

Merc, nit., Selen. 
when hair is cut — Bell. — Catches cold. 
Led. — Has earache, 
catches cold easily — Ant. cr., Ba. carb., Bell., Calc. carb., 
Camph., Gels., Hep. s., Kali carb., Nat. mur., Nux v., 
Sil., Sulph. 
acids — (see Stomach, worse acids), 
alone, fear of being left — (see Fear). 
food and drink 

alcohol or wine — Ant. cr., Arg. nit., Coff. cr., 

Lach., Ran. bulb., Rhodo., Selen., Sil., 

Zinc. 

headache — (see Headache, worse wine). 

stomach — (see Stomach, worse alcohol). 

coffee, aversion to — Fluor, ac, Nux v., 

Sulph. ac. 
fat food — Ant. cr., Carb. veg., Cyclam., Graph., 
Hep. s., Kali mur., Nat. carb., Petrol., Puis. 
hypochond. after eating — Arg. nit., Nat. 
carb., Nux v. 
5 



6 COMPARISONS. 

Aggravation — 

food and drink — 

ice-water — Ars., Kali carb. — Gastritis from. 
Elaps — Distress from. 
Staph. — Colic from, 
milk — /Ethusa — Vomiting of large sour curds. 
Ant. cr. — Vomiting of small sour curds. 
Carb. veg. — Flatulence from milk. 
China — Acid dyspepsia and heart- 
burn, even after milk; constant 
satiety, no relief from eructations. 
Mag. carb., Calc. carb., Nat. phos. — 

Sour diarrhoea in nursing infants. 
Mag. mur. — Indigestion of infants and 
children from milk, which causes 
pain and passes undigested. 
Nat. carb. — Watery diarrhoea, worse 
during the day and " after milk." 
(Hering.) 
Sep. — Green mucous diarrhoea, especi- 
ally from boiled milk, in children 
during teething. 
Sulph. — Dyspepsia from milk, with 

vinegary taste in mouth. 
Bronx. — Migraine of 1. side of head, 
worse stooping, especially after 
drinking milk, 
mixed foods— Ant. cr., Arg. nit., Ipec, 

Nux v. 
sight of food — Ant. cr., Coccul., Colch., Ipec, 

Nux v., Puis., Sulph., Xanth. 
smell of food — Ars., Coccul., Colch., Nux v. 
starchy food — Mag. carb., Nat. carb., Nat. 

sulph., Sulph. 
sweets — Ant. cr. — Headache and disordered 
stomach from sweets, with the 
coated tongue and the well-known 
peevish disposition. 



COMPARISONS. 7 

Aggravation— 

food and drink — 

sweets — 

Arg. nit. — Craving for and decided 

aggravation from sweets. 
Graph. — Sweet things are distaste- 
ful and nauseating. 
Ipec. — Upset stomach from sweets, 
with constant nausea and clean 
tongue. 
Ox. ac. —In rheumatic gout, with 

aggravation from sweets. 
Phos. — Aversion to and general 

aggravation from sweets. 
Puis. — Disordered stomach from 
sweets, including ice-cream and 
maple-syrup. 
Zinc. — Aversion to sweets, with 
sweetish taste in mouth, 
tea-drinking — Abies nig. — Dyspepsia with a 
sensation of a hard-boiled 
egg lying in the stomach. 
Cofj. cr. — For the general nerv- 
ous effects caused by tea. 
Dios. — Flatulent dyspepsia 

from tea-drinking. 
Lobel. — Dyspepsia, with gone- 
ness in the stomach, nausea 
and vomiting. 
Rumex— With pains in stom- 
ach that extend to back and 
chest, worse from any mo- 
tion. 
Selen., Thea — Headache from 

tea. 
Thuja — Neuralgia of head and 
face. 



8 COMPARISONS. 

Aggravation — 

heat — Apis, Cham., Clem., Led., Mezer., Puis.. Sulph. (refer 
Amelioration, air), 
sun — (see Aggravation, sun), 
looking at running water — 

Arg. met., Fer. — Vertigo when looking at. 
Sulph. — Vertigo when walking over, 
lying on 1. side, gen. agg. — Nat. sulph., Phos., Puis. 
in liver troubles — Bry., Nat. sulph. 
r. side (liver) — Crot. h., Mag. mur., Merc, v., Psor. 
painful side — Sil. 
painless side — Bry., Coloc, Puis. 
people, aversion to — Crot. h., Sep. — Desire to be alone. 
Con. — Dislike to be alone, 
consolation, no desire for — (see Melancholia, weep- 
ing), 
sleep, loss of — Coccul., Nux v. 
sun, headache — (see Headache, worse sun). 

vertigo — (see Vertigo, worse sun), 
thinking of his symptoms — 

Helon. — Amelioration from doing something, or when 

engaged in other thoughts than of her own ailments. 
Ox. ac. — Symptoms reappear as soon as he thinks of 

them. 
Oxytropis — Aggravation of any symptom from thinking 

of it. 
Piper m. — Worse from thinking of his symptoms, 
water, washing in — Ant. cr., Nit. ac, Phos., Sulph. — General 
agg. from the use of water externally. 
Ars. iod., Nat. mur., Sulph. — Eczema 
worse from washing the parts. (Dear- 
born giving in addition, Ant. cr., Bov., 
Calc. carb., Clem., Con., Crot. t., Thuja). 
Calc. carb., Rhus t. — Agg. from standing 

or working in water. 
Sep. — General agg. from having the 
hands in water, as in laundry work. 



COMPARISONS. 9 

Aggravation — 

water, washing in — 

Am. carb., Ant. sulph. aur., Kali carb. — 
Nose-bleed from washing the face, 
weather, cold — wet — Aran., Dulc, Graph., Mang., Nat. sulph., 
Nux m., Phos., Phyto., Ran. bulb., Rhodo., Rhus 
t., Ruta, Sil., Viola t. 
wet or damp — Aran., Calc. carb., Calc. phos., Caust., 
Gels., Hyper., Magnol. gr., Nat. sulph., 
Phyto., Ran. bulb., Sarsap., Sil., Spig. 
worse before a storm — Rhodo. 
during a storm — Rhus t. 
thunderstorm — Petrol., Rhodo. 
headache — (see Headache, worse wet weather), 
facial neuralgia — (see Face, neuralgia), 
paralysis — (see Paralysis). 
wine — (see Agg., food and drink, alcohol). 

Amelioration, desire for — 

air, desire for, must have — All. c, Carb. veg., Chin, ars., 
Cistus, Clem., Gels., Lye, Myrica, Nat. sulph., Puis., 
Sabina, Secale cor., Sulph., Zinc. 
alone — Carb. an., Crot. h., Cyclam., Helon., Ign., Nat. mur., 
Plat., Sep., Thuja, Ver. a. 
aversion to people — Crot. h., Sep. 
food and drink- 
acids — Bry., China, Hep. s., Phos., Podo., Puis., 

Sabina, Sep., Stram., Ver. a. 
alcohol — Carbol. ac, China, Nux v., Selen., 

Sulph., ac. 
chalk, starch — Alumina. 
coal — Calc. carb., Cicuta. 
condiments — China, Fluor, ac, Hep. s., Nux v., 

Phos., Sang. 
eggs — Calc. carb. 
ham — Calc. phos. 
sweets — Arg. nit., Sabad. 



10 COMPARISONS. 

Amelioration, desire for — 

heat — Ars., Bry., Caust., Coloc, Hep. s., Kali carb., Mag. 
carb., Mag. mur., Mag. phos., Petrol., Rhodo., Rhus t., Sil. 
(refer Aggravation, air), 
lying on side — (see Aggravation, lying), 
walking — Ars., Cham., dm., Dios., Dulc, Fer., Fluor, ac, 
Ign., Kali carb., Kali iod., Mag. carb., Mag. phos., 
Plat., Puis., Raphan., Rhodo., Rhus t., Ruta, Sep., 
Voter., Ver. a. 
must walk — Ars. — From restlessness. 

Cham. — With rheumatic or other pains, 
where one cannot keep quiet but must 
walk about. 
Dios. — In violent flatulent colic, where dur- 
ing the paroxysms they must walk about 
and bend either backward or forward. 
Fluor, ac. — Rapid motion is necessary; it 

seems as if she could walk forever. 
Ign. — Sciatica, intermittent pains, worse at 
night; must walk the floor during the 
paroxysm. 
Kali carb. — In lumbago, the attack coming 
on at 3 a. m. ; they cannot stay in bed, 
but must get up and walk. 
Mag. carb. — In neuralgic conditions; worse 
at night; can neither sit still nor remain 
in bed, but must get up and walk the 
floor. 
Mag. phos. — An aggravated Mag. carb. con- 
dition; both these magnesias have relief 
of the neuralgic pains from heat. 
Puis. — Neuralgic toothache, where the pain 
is relieved while walking and especially 
while walking in the open air. 
Raphan. — Neuralgic toothache, worse at 
night when lying down, better walking 
about. 



COMPARISONS. 11 

Amelioration, desire for— 

walking — 

must walk — Rhus t. — Neuralgic headache, better only 
from walking rapidly, or going out-doors 
and taking a long walk. 

Abdomen — (refer to Stomach). 

coldness in — Camph., China, Colch., Elaps, Grat., Ox. ac, 

Petrol., Tabac. 
dropsy of — Apis, Apoc,, Ars., Calc. carb., China, Colch., 
Collin., Digit., Fluor, ac, Graph., Helleb., Kali carb., Lach., 
Lye, Mag. mur., Merc, v., Sulph. 
gurgling in — Aloes, Am. mur., Arg. nit., Carb. veg., China, 
Crot.t., Dios., Gambog., Ginseng, Ign., Jatro., Lye, Mag. 
carb., Nat. sulph., Phos. ac, Puis., Sulph., Zinc 
liver-spots — Lye, Nit. ac, Phos., Sep., Sulph. 
pot-bellied — Ba. carb., Calc carb., Sulph. 
retraction of — Cupr., Plumb., Secale cor., Zinc. 

as if transfixed to spine — Cupr., Plumb. 
sensation, something alive in — 

Brachygl. — Fluttering in abdomen and r. 

ovary. 
Calad. — In inflammation of the stomach, with 

fluttering as of a bird. 
Crocus — Something living jumping about in 
the pit of the stomach, abdomen, arms or 
other parts of the body, or a sensation 01" 
worms crawling in the abdomen, or of some- 
thing dead and heavy lying there, and asso- 
ciated with extreme nervousness. 
Crot. h.—In atonic dyspepsia, with fluttering 

in umbilical region. 
Granat. — Jaundice, with feeling of something 

moving in the stomach. 
Thuja — Melancholia, with fixed idea of a 
living animal in the abdomen, 
goneness in — (see Stomach, kind of, goneness), 
as if it hung down — Podo., Staph. 



12 COMPARISONS. 

Abdomen — 

sensitive to touch — 

Apis — Where in all the abdominal affections there is 
present the bruised feeling in the abdominal walls, 
sometimes even when the abdomen is not swollen. 

Am. — In gastro-enteritis of a low type, with offensive 
gases passing upward and downward and general 
soreness as if bruised. 

Ars. — Great sensitiveness to touch, burning pains, gen- 
eral relief from heat. 

Bapt. — In diarrhoea, with great soreness in the region 
of the gall-bladder. 

Bell. — In abdominal affections characterized by extreme 
sensitiveness to touch, intolerance of even the cloth- 
ing, with great heat. 

Berb., Calc. carb., Con., Sep. — With soreness over the 
region of the liver. 

Bov., Graph. — Intolerance of tight clothing. 

Bry. — Stomach and abdomen sore to touch, better from 
heat and pressure. 

Carb. veg. — With excessive distention, better from eruc- 
tations and emission of flatus. 

China — Distention, great sensitiveness, no relief from 
eructations. 

Cina — Soreness especially above the navel. 

Crot. h. — Abdominal troubles, with extreme tenderness, 
cannot bear the touch of her clothes. 

Kali carb. — With indigestion, and soreness of epigastric 
and abdominal regions. 

Lach. — " Obliged to wear the clothes very loose, especi- 
ally about the stomach; even in bed is obliged to 
loosen and raise the night-dress, in order to avoid 
pressure." 

Lye. — Extreme distention and sensitiveness to touch. 

Merc. corr. — Soreness and burning in stomach, and 
bruised sensation in csecal region and along trans- 
verse colon. 



COMPARISONS. 13 

Abdomen — 

sensitive to touch — 

Merc. v. — Great soreness in the region of the liver and 

aggravation from lying on the r. side. 
Nat. sulph.j Bry. — Soreness in the region of the liver 

and aggravation from lying on the 1. side. 
Sulph. — Soreness over the stomach and abdomen; sore- 
ness along transverse colon, worse bending forward, 
swellings on — Plumb. — Tympanitic distention in circum- 
scribed swellings as large as the fist, and complete 
obstruction of the bowels, with frequent vomiting, 
even faecal. 
Raphan. — Diarrhoea and colic, and prominence of the 
intestines like pads, here and there all over the abdo- 
men, with the additional characteristic, that no gas 
passes upward or downward, 
tympanites — Arg. nit., Asaf., Canth., Carb. veg., Carbol. ac, 
China, Cina, Coccul., Colch., Coloc, Dios., Graph., 
Ign., Kali carb., Lye, Mag. mur., Menth. p., Merc, 
corr., Nux m., Nux v., Opium, Phos. ac, Plat., Plumb., 
Puis., Raphan., Sep., Sulph., Tereb., Uran. nit., Voter., 
Ver. a., Zinc. 
hysterical, with eructations — Arg. nit., Asaf., Mag. mur., 
Nux m., Voter. 
flatulence — (see Hysteria, with flatu- 
lence). 

Abortion— 

Aletris — Tendency to miscarriage from uterine atony. 

Apis — With soreness of the ovaries. 

Am. — When due to mechanical injuries. 

Asclep. cor. — Intermittent, pressing uterine pains. 

Bell. — Uterus feels heavy and hot, with dragging and forcing 

pains. 
Caul. — With spasmodic uterine cramp and hemorrhage. 
Cham. — Threatening miscarriage from fits of anger. 
Cim. — Pains fly about, across abdomen, up back and down 
thighs, with fainting spells. 



14 COMPARISONS. 

Abortion — 

Crocus — To remove the tendency to miscarriage when asso- 
ciated with an unnatural sensation of worms in the abdo- 
men, or as if something dead were lying there. 

Gels. — "From sudden depressing emotions" (Hering). 

Helon. — In conditions of atony of the uterus. 

Ipec. — With bright-red blood and nausea. 

Kali carb. — With sharp cutting or stitching pains in the 
abdomen. 

Millef. — " Painless drainings when abortion threatens" 
(Dunham). 

Opium. — " After great fright, especially if in the latter part 
of pregnancy" (Hering). 

Plumb. — Threatening abortion due to lack of development 
of the uterus. 

Sabina — Threatening miscarriage, especially at the third 
month. 

Sep. — With extreme downward pressure as if everything 
would be forced out through the vagina. 

Trill. — With gushing of bright blood on the least motion, 
especially in women who are subject to profuse and 
frequent menstruation. 

Vib. prun. — Valuable in many cases of threatening miscar- 
riage; it checks the flow. 

Acne— 

Ant. cr. — From gastric derangements or alcoholic stimulants, 

especially for those who are fat. 
Ant. sulph. aur. — In chronic cases, especially when associated 

with ozsena. 
Ant. t. — Pustules with deep red areola, "leaving stains and 

poc-like cicatrices" (Dearborn). 
Ars. brom. — (not in the Handbook). "In aggravated chronic 

forms" (Deschere), especially in scrofulous or tubercular 

cases (Ars. iod., Sil.). 
Aurum mur. — "Cachectic acne," pustules "more numerous 

on the nose and made worse by exercise in the open air" 

(Dearborn). 



COMPARISONS. 15 

Acne — 

Bov. — "Achnoid eruption, due to overuse of cosmetic pow- 
ders and pastes" (Dearborn). 

Calc. phos., Calc. pic, Kali brom. — At time of puberty. 

Crot. h., Cyclam. — With delayed menstruation. 

Graph. — Worse at time of menstruation. 

Hep. s. — Low to hasten suppuration; high to abort. 

Kali hi., Nux v. — When due to or associated with indiges- 
tion. 

Kali brom. — "Acne, where the patient's health otherwise is 
excellent" (Deschere), as well as when resulting from 
masturbation (Phos. ac). 

in boys — Calc. pic. 
girls — Calc. phos. 

After-pains — (see Pregnancy, pains). 

Alcohol — to cure desire for — Agar., Caps., Sulph. ac. 

agg. or amel. from — (see Aggravation or Ameliora- 
tion, alcohol). 

Amenorrhoea — (see Menstruation). 

Amputations — 

neuralgia after — 

All. c. — Fine, thread-like, shooting pains. 

Am. mur. — Neuralgic pains in stumps of amputated 
limbs. 

Am., Hyper., Staph. — Neuralgic pains following opera- 
tions. 

Anaemia — 

Acet. ac. — General anaemia, with waxy skin, anasarca, ema- 
ciation and sweats. 

Acet. ac, Calc. carb., Calc. phos., China, Phos. ac. — In the 
anaemia of nursing women. 

Agar. — With irritable nerves. 



16 COMPARISONS. 

Anaemia — 

Arribra gr. — For those who are debilitated by work or over- 
work, who are anaemic and sleepless, with twitching of 
the muscles. 

Am. carb., Am., Ars., Carb. veg., Crot. h., Pic. ac, Plumb. — 
Pernicious anaemia. 

Ars. iod. — Prostration and emaciation, especially after ex- 
hausting diseases. 

Arg. met. — General anaemia, with oedematous feet. 

Arg. nit. — With tremulous weakness and debility, and the 
mental depression and apprehension. 

Asar. — With hyper-sensitiveness of the whole nervous sys- 
tem. 

Calc. carb. — A general condition of mal-nutrition ; often indi- 
cated with delayed menstruation. 

Caust. — Patients are weak and anaemic, with no desire and 
scarcely the ability to make an effort. 

China — With extreme debility, especially when due to loss 
of vital fluids. 

Chin. ars. — With a combination of China and Ars. symp- 
toms; it has been more or less disappointing to me. 

Cit. ac. — The organic acids generally produce conditions of 
mal-nutrition and anaemia; it checks excessive menstrua- 
tion. 

Fer., Per. cit., Per. pic. — With profuse menstruation. 

Hydr. — Emaciation and debility, atonic dyspepsia and a 
general catarrhal condition. 

Iod. — Enlargement of lymphatic glands, ravenous appetite 
yet steady emaciation. 

Kali carb. — General anaemia, with great sensitiveness to cold 
air. 

Mang., Plumb. — With scanty menstruation. 

Pic. ac. — Great exhaustion following any mental or physical 
exertion. 

Psor. — General anaemia, with aversion to food. 

Stan. — With cough and sensation of weakness or goneness 
in the chest. 



COMPARISONS. 17 

Anaemia — 

Calc. carb., Calc. phos., China, Cyclam., Fer., Nat. mur., Pic. 
ac. — Headaches, due to or associated with anaemia. 

Fer. — Menses pale, watery and acrid, profuse and long- 
lasting. 

Mang. — Early and scanty menses, or discharge between the 
periods. 

with irritable nerves — Agar., Asar. 

headache — (see Headache, worse anaemia). 

cerebral — (see Head, worse anaemia). 

Chlorosis — 

Aletris — Scanty or suppressed menstruation, atonic dys- 
pepsia, with disgust for food and indigestion from the 
least nourishment. 

Arg. nit. — With tremulous weakness, debility, nervous appre- 
hension, flatulent dyspepsia and diarrhoea. 

Alumina, Calc. carb. — Chlorosis at or near puberty, with the 
peculiar longing for indigestible things, chalk, starch, 
coal, etc. 

Calc. phos. — For school-girls, with headache, emaciation and 
lack of vital heat. 

Cyclam. — Scanty or suppressed menstruation and great need 
of fresh air. 

Graph. — Tendency to rush of blood to the head and flushing 
of the face; menses pale and delayed and pimply erup- 
tion on the face that is especially worse at the menstrual 
period. 

Kali carb. — Suppressed menstruation, indigestion and sensi- 
tiveness to cold air. 

Kali phos. — Amenorrhoea or scanty menstruation, mental, 
physical and nervous exhaustion. 

Mang. — Early but scanty menstruation. 

Nat. mur. — With delayed menstruation and dysmenorrhea, 
preceded and accompanied by headache. 

Phos. — Tubercular diathesis, general mental and physical 
exhaustion. 



18 COMPARISONS. 

Chlorosis — 

Phos. ac. — General apathy, too indifferent to think, too tired 
to move. 

Plumb. — Severe cases, paleness of all mucous membranes, 
palpitation, oedema of the feet, extreme constipation. 

Puis. — With chilliness and sluggish circulation, hot flushes 
at night, aversion to nourishing food, peevish and tearful 
moods and a longing for fresh air. 

Sep. — Scanty menstruation, despondency, atonic dyspepsia 
emaciation. 

Staph. — Amenorrhcea "from severe chagrin or great indig- 
nation" (Minton). 

Sulph. — Menses too late and too scanty, history of sup- 
pressed eruptions, religious reveries, inflammation and 
redness of eyelids. 

Zinc. — "Chlorotic headaches after abuse of iron" (Hering). 

Aneurism — Ba. carb., Ba. mur., Lye. 

cough from — Magnol. gr., Spong. 

Anger — gastralgia from — Cham., Coloc, Nux m., Staph. 
cough from — (see Cough, worse, anger). 

Angina pectoris — (see Heart, kind of, angina pectoris). 

Ankles — (see Extremities). 

Antrum of Highmore, diseases of — Am., Aurum, Hep. s., Kali 
iod., Merc, v., Mezer., Puis., Sil. 

Anus — (see Rectum). 

Aphasia — omits words and syllables — Kali brom., Plumb. 

Aphthae — (see Mouth). 

Apoplexy — 

Aeon., Bell., Cact., Glon. — For threatening apoplexy or in 

the early stage. 
Apis. — Stupor or great drowsiness; often of value "with 

profound coma when Opium fails" (Dunham). 



COMPARISONS. 19 

Apoplexy — 

Am. — With stertorous respiration, no cerebral excitement; 
heavy stupor. 

Ba. carb. — The result of senility. 

Lack. — Threatening apoplexy in drunkards. 

Nux v. — For the paralysis resulting, especially in high livers. 

Opium — Threatening of drunkards, where the occiput feels 
heavy as lead, with tendency towards stertorous respira- 
tion, or in apoplexy, when there is stupor and cold ex- 
tremities. 

Plumb. — Especially with interstitial nephritis. 

Ver. vir. — With bloated, livid face. 

Ascites — (see Abdomen, dropsy of). 

Asphyxia neonatorum — 

Ant. t. — Child pale and with rattling of mucus in the chest. 

Camph. — With spasms. 

Opium — Face purple. 

Lack. — As a palliative in congenital cyanosis (blue baby). 

Asthma — 

Ant. t. — Threatening suffocation, with wheezing, rattling and 
cyanosis. 

Aral. r. — Trouble during inspiration, cannot lie down day or 
night. 

Aran. — Inability to lie down day or night. 

Ars. — Worse after midnight and from cold changes of tem- 
perature. 

Benz. ac. — In rheumatic persons. 

Brom. — Better at sea. 

Camph. — Asthmatic attacks, with great suffocation, cold- 
ness and prostration. 

Cann. sat. — With mucous rales and great dyspncea. 

Carb. veg. — In old people who are debilitated, and with flatu- 
lence and blueness of the skin. 

Con. — Also in old people; suffocative attacks on lying down. 
3 



20 COMPARISONS. 

Asthma — 

China, Chin, ars., Chin, sulph. — In asthmatic attacks occur- 
ring at the same hour each day. 

Chloralum — Asthmatic attacks worse at night, with sleep- 
lessness and delirium. 

Chlorum — Inspiration free, but with obstructed expiration. 

Cistus — Attack brought on by a sensation as if the trachea 
were too narrow, worse at night; has to open the window 
to get fresh air. 

Cupr. — Spasmodic asthma, with intense dyspnoea, blueness 
of face, constriction of throat, retching and vomiting. 

Graph. — Spasmodic attacks which awaken one from sleep, 
better from eating. 

Grind, rob. — " Spasmodic asthma, better expectoration; in 
asthma, and especially in cardiac asthma, a fear of going 
to sleep on account of loss of breath, which awakens him." 
— (Hale.) (Aeon, ferox, Aurum, Curare, Phos., Prunus 
spin. — also in cardiac asthma.) 

Grind, squar. — With profuse tenacious secretions and relief 
from raising them. 

Ipec., Mosch. — Spasmodic asthma. 

Kali carb. — Attacks recurring every morning, 3 to 4 a. m., 
worse sudden cold changes. 

Kali nit. — Great dyspnoea, faintness and nausea, free expec- 
toration. 

Lach. — Attacks preventing sleep, better expectoration; in- 
tolerance of the least pressure about neck or chest. 

Lobel. — With very great oppression of the chest, as if it were 
full of blood, which seems to stagnate; better moving 
about. 

Naja — Asthma with hay-fever, must sit up in order to 
breathe. 

Naphthal. — Spasmodic asthma, has to loosen the clothes; 
better open air. 

Nat. sulph. — Aggravation at night and from cold damp 
weather. 



COMPARISONS. 21 

Asthma — 

Nux v. — Attacks recurring towards morning and worse from 

eating heartily. 
Puis. — Especially in children. 
Rumex — Worse 2 A. M. 

Sambu. — Spasmodic attacks, worse after midnight, and rous- 
ing from sleep. 
Spong. — Worse cold air, better eating or drinking. 
Stram. — Worse talking, hardly able to inspire, desire for 

fresh air. 
Sulph. — Chronic conditions; suffocative fits in the forepart 
of the night, with burning in the chest and desire for fresh 
air. 
Sumbul — " Hysterical asthma" (Hering). 
Zinc. — With constriction of the chest. 
Zingib. — Attacks worse towards morning, with necessity to 

sit up in order to breathe, 
spasmodic — Cupr., Graph., Grind, rob., Hyper., Ipec, MephiL, 

Mosch., Naphthal., Sambu., Stram. 
worse 2 a. m. — Ant. t., Ars., Rumex, Sambu. 

a. m. — Ant. t., Ars., Chin, ars., Kali carb., Nux v., 

Rumex, Sambu., Zingib. 
cold changes — Ars., Kali carb., Nat. sulph., Spong. 
of old people — Carb. veg., Con. 
cannot get air in — Aral. r. 

out — Chlorum. 
Back — burning between the shoulders — Lye, Phos., Robin. 

coldness between the shoulders — Am. mur., Nat. carb. 

Bed — slips down in — Fluor, ac, Mur. ac, Phos. ac. 

sores — Am., Fluor, ac, Hydr., Lach., Mur. ac, Tereb. 

Bladder — (refer to Urine). 

atony of — Caust., Gels., Hep. s., Petrol., Sep. 

loss of power in — Caust., Equiset., Gels., Kali carb. 

gas from bladder — Sarsap. 

vagina — Brom., Lye, Nux v., Phos. ac 
haemorrhage — (see Haemorrhage, hematuria). 



22 COMPARISONS. 

Bladder- 
neuralgia of neck — Bell., Nux v., Prunus spin., Sulph. 
paralysis of — Caust., Con., Dulc, Equiset., Gels., Hep. s., 
Hyosc, Kali carb., Nux v., Opium, Phos., Plumb., 
Rhus t., Zinc. 
with distention — Gels., Plumb., Zinc. 
and rectum, tenesmus of — Canth., Caps., Digit., Merc. corr. r 

Merc. v. 
stone, tendency to formation oi—Hydrang., Lye. 

Body — sensation of — (see Sensation). 

Boils — to develop — Am. — " Boils and abscesses which have par- 
tially matured, but which instead of discharging begin 
to shrivel up by reason of absorption of the contained 
pus. Arnica given now internally and applied ex- 
ternally re-develops the abscess" (Farrington). 
Hep. s. — To be used low, not only where suppuration is 
progressing, and you wish to hurry it along, but also 
for those cases that hang fire and refuse to get "ripe." 
Merc, v.— Similar to Hep s., but with this particular 
differentiation, that in the former there is nocturnal 
aggravation of the pains, 
tendency to — Am., Hep. s., Phyto., Pic. ac. 

Bones — diseases of — Cole, fluor., Fluor, ac, Sil. 

exostoses — Aurum, Calc. fluor., Fluor, ac, Phos., Sil. 

Brain — (see Head). 

fag. — (see Headache, worse, brain-fag). 

Breasts — 

mastitis — 

Am. — When due to injury. 

Bell. — Breast hot and extremely sensitive to touch, 
with bright red streaks radiating from the nipple. 

Bry. — With sharp, stabbing pains on touch or least move- 
ment; relieved by hot applications. 

Fer. phos. — In the beginning, with fever. 



COMPARISONS. 23 

Breasts — 

mastitis — 

Lack. — Bluish appearance of the breast and extreme 
sensitiveness of the nipple. 

Phyto. — Bluish appearance of the breast, which is hard, 
and with violent pains whenever the milk flows into 
the breast, the pains radiating over the whole body. 

Sil. — Of great value in the beginning; sensitiveness to 
cold air. 
pain in, when nursing — (see Nursing). 
tender before menses — Con., Helon., Ustil. 
tumors of — 

Ars. — With sharp, lancinating, red-hot pains. 

Ars. iod. — Which sometimes gives more relief than Ars. 

Bufo, Cistus, Sep. — Indurations in the mammary glands. 

Carb. an., Phyto. — With mottled appearance of the breast. 

Clem. — Indurations and tumors very painful to touch. 

Con. — Extreme hardness and sharp, knife-like pains. 

Cundur. — Tumors of the breast, very hard, painful, as- 
sociated with ulcers in the corners of the mouth; 
"most efficacious in open or cancerous ulcers, where 
it effectually moderates the severity of the pain" 
(Lilienthal). 

Gossyp. — Hard tumors of the breast associated with 
scanty menstruation. 

Graph. — Indurations form in the mammary glands and 
become cancerous. 

Hydr. — Hardness of the tumor, and severe lancinating 
pains. 

Sil. — Indurated tumors of the mammary glands, with 
sharp, stinging pains. 

Ustil. — Pain in the breast worse in intermenstrual per- 
iod. 

at period — Con., Merc. v. 

between period — Ustil. 

purple — Carb. an., Phyto. 
nipples cracked — Caust., Graph., Petrol., Phyto., Ratan. 



24 COMPARISONS. 

Breath- 
cold — Camph., Carb. veg., Colch., Ver. a. 
fetid — Am., Bapt. 

Breathing — 

better eating — Graph., Spong. 
worse ascending — 

Calc. carb. — Extreme dyspnoea on going up the 

slightest ascent. 
Coca — When due to mountain climbing. 
ConvaL, Kali iod., Merc, v., Nat. mur.. Nit. ac, 
Senega — Dyspnoea on ascending stairs, 
sleep — 

Ant. t. — Threatening suffocation, rattling of mucus 

and cyanosis, dyspnoea on falling asleep. 
Curare — Threatening paralysis of respiration, the 

breath stops on falling asleep. 
Grind, rob. — "Fear of going to sleep on account of 

loss of breath, which wakens him" (Hale). 
Grind, squar. — Cheyne-Stokes respiration. If the 
patient drops off to sleep he stops breathing and 
wakes with a start and gasps for breath. 
Graph. — Spasmodic asthma, with suffocative spasms 

which waken from sleep, better eating. 
Lach. — With aggravation from sleep, and from pres- 
sure on throat or chest. 
Opium — Bronchial catarrh, with dyspnoea, suffo- 
cative attacks during sleep. 
Sambu. — In laryngitis and laryngismus stridulus, 
suffocative attacks after midnight, waking from 
sleep. 
11 Lach has been used, also Ars., Nuxv., Ign., but 
Strychnia 6th is better than all" (Hale), 
or cannot lie down — Ant. ars., Ant. t, Apis, Aral, r., 
Aran., ConvaL, Grind, rob., Grind, squar., Helleb., 
Lach., Naja, Opium, Sinapis, Zingib. 
inhale — 
Aral. r. 



COMPARISONS. 25 



Breathing 



worse 

or cannot exhale — 

Chlorum — While inspiration is free, exhala- 
tion is almost impossible, from a seeming 
closure of the glottis. 
Dros. — After coughing some of the mucus 
seems to remain in the larynx so that he 
cannot fully expire. 
Mephit. — With mucous rales in the chest, 
suffocation and feeling as if he could not 
exhale. 
Naphthal. — Where it seems as if he could not 
get the air out of the chest, with relief 
from rapid motion. 
Sambu. — Aggravation after midnight or from 
lying with the head low ; the child is awak- 
ened in fear of suffocation, it cannot ex- 
hale and the face grows purple, 
kind of — 

cardiac dyspnoea — Aeon, ferox, Amyl nit., Aurum, Coca, 
Colch., Conval., Curare, Grind, rob., Grind, squar., 
Kalm., Lack., Lauroc., Mosch., Nux v., Phos., Prunus 
spin. 
Cheyne-Stokes — Aeon, ferox, Curare, Grind, squar., Phos. 
dyspnoea with hysteria — Coccul., Mosch. 
impeded from sensation of plug or constriction — Am. 
caust., Brom., Coccul., Lach., Lobel., Mosch., Spong. 
(refer to Breathing, suffocative), 
sawing — Iod., Kali bi., Sang., Spong. 
sighing — Ailant., Arg. nit., Bry., Calc. phos., Cim., Crot. 

h., Digit., Ign., Naphthal., Opium, Physos. 
suffocative from constriction of throat — 

Am. caust., Caps., Mosch., Sambu. — Spasms of 
larynx, with suffocation. 



26 COMPARISONS. 

Breathing — 

kind of — 

suffocative from constriction of throat — 

Amyl nit. — In nervous conditions, with choking in 
throat, oppressed respiration and staring eyes, 
accompanied by a surging of blood to the head 
and face. 

Chlorum — Sudden dyspnoea from spasm of vocal 
cords, with staring eyes, blue face and cold sweat. 

Cupr. — Spasmodic asthma, with constriction of the 
throat, intense dyspnoea and blueness of the face. 

Ign. — Nervous spasm of the glottis. 

Ipec. — Spasm of the glottis, with rapid alternations 
of contraction and relaxation of the vocal cords. 

Lack., Canth. — Spasm of the larynx due to pres- 
sure externally. 

Magnol. gr. — In heart troubles, sensation of suffo- 
cation and constriction of throat. 

Mosch. — Globus hystericus, with contraction of 
throat and feeling of suffocation. 

Nux m. — In nervous conditions (Puis.), with cons- 
triction of the vocal cords. 

Sambu. — In laryngitis, with attacks of suffocation 
due to spasm of the larynx. 

Stram. — Suffocative spasm, or spasm of the glottis 
on attempting to swallow. 

Ver. a. — Suffocative spasm, with cough, from con- 
striction of the larynx or chest. (Refer to Breath- 
ing, impeded.) 

Broncho-pneumonia — (see Pneumonia-broncho) . 

Bronchorrhcea — Ammoniacum, Ant. t., Calc. carb., China, Sil. 

Bruises of soft parts, ecchymosed — 

Arg. nit., Am., Crot. h., Hamam., Lack., Led., Sulph. ac. 

Buboes — 

blue — Carb. an., Lack., Phyto., Tarent. 

indurated — Badiaga, Cinnab., Iod., Kali iod., Phyto. 



COMPARISONS. 27 

Canker-sores — (see Mouth). 

Carbuncles — 

Nit. ac. — With putrid decomposition and tendency to haem- 
orrhages. 

Tarent. Cub. — With burning, stinging pains and a general 
purplish hue around the tumor; it hastens the process and 
the removal of the core. 

become gangrenous — Carb. veg., Crot. h., Lack., Secale cor. 

Carphology — Arum tri., Camph., Chlorum, Cim., Hyosc, Opium, 
Zinc. 

Charcoal fumes, troubles from — Am. carb., Am., Bov. 

Cheek-biting when chewing — Ign., Nit. ac. 
one hot, one cold — Cham., Cina, Zinc. 

Chest- 
apex of lungs — Iod. 
base of lungs — Phos. 
band around, sensation of — Arg. nit., Cact., Colch.,Helleb., 

Mosch., Nit. ac, Phos. 
blood, rush of, to — Per., Phos., Spong., Sulph. 

Lobel. — Oppression of the chest as if full of blood, 
but it seems to stagnate and there is relief from 
moving about, 
haemoptysis — 

Acalypha Ind. — Severe fit of dry cough, followed 
by spitting of blood — cured a severe case of hem- 
optysis after other means had failed. 
Aeon. — Bright red blood, great restlessness and 

mental anxiety. 
Bry., Calc. carb., Per., Zinc. — Haemorrhage from 

the lungs instead of the menses. 
Cactus — With violent action of the heart and sense 

of constriction. 
Carb. veg. — With the haemoptysis there is a burn- 
ing in the chest as from a hot coal, oppression of 
the chest, desire to be fanned and cold skin. 



28 COMPARISONS. 

Chest— 

blood — 

haemoptysis — 

China — When due to prolonged nursing and as- 
sociated with great weakness, or with anaemia, 
oedema of the extremities and great prostration 
after the haemorrhage. 

Cinnam. — Bright red and easy haemorrhage. 

Fer., Fer. phos. — Where the oppression of breath- 
ing and sensation of a weight on the chest would 
serve as a guide in the selection of the remedy. 

Ipec. — Haemorrhage from the lungs preceded by 
sensation of bubbling in the chest. 

Led. — With bright red, frothy haemorrhage; also 
where these haemorrhages alternate with attacks 
of rheumatism. 

Lycopus — With great palpitation of the heart and 
pain in the 1. side of the chest. 

Millef. — The haemorrhage is only distinguished 
from that of Aeon, by the absence of anxiety. 

Nit. ac. — Haemoptysis and offensive expectoration 
in phthisis. 

Phos. — With the general build of the patient, ten- 
dency to easy haemorrhage, weight on the chest 
and inability to lie on the 1. side. 

Puis. — With hacking cough, sensation of suffoca- 
tion and soreness of the lungs, all better in the 
open air. 

Sang. — With burning in the chest. 

Secale cor., Flaps, Hamam. — Haemorrhage from the 
lungs of dark venous blood. 

Tereb., Fer. phos, — Haemoptysis relieving the con- 
gestion of the lungs. 

Thlaspi — Profuse haemorrhage. 

of black blood — Elaps, Hamam., Secale cor. 
burning in — Agar., Arg. nit., Ars., Canth., Carb. an., Carb. 
veg., Hydr., Kali nit., Kreos., Nat. carb., Sang., Spong., 
Sulph. 



COMPARISONS. 29 

Chest- 
burning in — 

like red-hot coals — Carb. veg., Kreos. 
coldness in — Carb. an. 

after drinking — Elaps. 
dropsy of pleura — Ant. t., Apis, Apoc. can., Ars., Bry., 
Canth., Colch.j Conval., Digit, Helleb., Hep. s., Grind, 
squar., Kali iod., Lye, Merc, sulph., Senega, Sulph. 
gangrene of lungs — 

Caps. — Of great value; the breath is not offensive but 

the cough expels a putrid odor from the lungs. 
Eucalyp. — Little is known of this remedy, but it is said 

to be useful. 
Kreos. — With burning pain as from red-hot coals in the 

chest. 
Secale cor. — In a collapsed state, sensation of burning 
internally, and icy-coldness to touch externally, 
cedema of lungs — Ant. t., Apis, Ars., Carb. veg., Colch., Digit., 

Grind, squar., Kali iod., Senega. 
oppression of — 

Aeon. — In congestion of the lungs, with great oppres- 
sion. 
Amyl nit. — With great dyspnoea, and spasmodic, suffo- 
cative cough. 
Asaf. — In hysteria with pressure on and constriction 

of chest, as if he could not take a full inspiration. 
Carb. veg. — With desire to be fanned. 
China, Lack. — With intolerance of any pressure on the 

chest. 
Chin, sulph. — In pneumonia, with oppression of the 

chest, weakness, deafness and ringing in the ears. 
Colch. — Oppression of the chest and great dyspnoea. 
Fer., Phos. — Oppression of the chest as from the weight 

of a hand. 
Fer. phos. — Oppression of the chest as from the weight 

of two hands. 
Ipec. — Sensation of a weight on, and constriction about 
the chest. 



30 COMPARISONS. 

Chest- 
oppression of — 

Lobel. — Oppression of chest as if full of blood which 

seems to stagnate, better from moving about. 
Millef. — Bright red haemoptysis, with oppression of 

chest and palpitation. 
Nat. sulph. — Worse during damp weather; relieved in 

the open air. 
Senega — Bronchial catarrh, with much mucus, soreness 
of the walls of the chest, oppression of breathing and 
sensation of a weight on the chest. 
Sinapis— Hay-fever, with dyspnoea and oppression of 

the chest, worse at night on lying down. 
Sticta — Nasal catarrh, v\ r ith cough and oppression of the 

chest. 
Zinc. — Oppression of the chest as if filled with mucus, 
better from raising the mucus, 
paralysis of lungs — Ant. t., Arg. nit., Coccul., Curare, Gels., 

Hydrocy. ac, Lack., Mosch., Opium. 
rattling of mucus in — (see Cough, kind of, loose, rattling), 
sore, sensitive to touch— Ambra gr., Am., Benz. ac., Calc. 
carb., China, Eupat. per]., Puis., Ran. bulb., Ran. seel., 
Sang., Senega, Sep. 
sticking pains with cough — Aeon., Ammoniacum, Am. mur., 
Am., Bor., Bry., Chel., Kali carb., Kali iod., Kali nit., 
Merc, v., Nat. mur., Ran. bulb., Senega, Squilla, Zizia. 
weakness of — Carb. veg., Coccul., Phos. ac, Stan., Sulph. 

Children — 

cross — 

Ant. cr. — Child will cry if you look at it. 

Cham. — Must be amused all the time to keep it quiet; 

prefers to be carried. 
Cina — Child will throw things at you the moment you 

enter the room. 
Staph. — Child refuses to be amused. 



COMPARISONS. 31 

Children — 

cry all night — 

Cham. — Cross, irritable and whining. 

Jalapa — Good all day, cries all night. 

Kreos. — Cries from 6 a. m. to 6 p. m. 
night terrors of — Bell., Kali brom., Stram., Valer. 
old, look prematurely — Ba. carb., Lye. 
pot-bellied — Ba. carb., Cole, carb., Sulph. 
teething, difficult — (see Teeth, teething), 
walk, slow in learning to — Ba. carb., Calc. carb., Calc. phos., 
Caust. 

Chilblains — Agar., Crot. h., Nit. ac., Phos. ac. 

Chill, congestive — Camph., Gels., Opium, Ver. a. 

Chlorosis — (see following Anaemia). 

Cholera — 

Ars. — Collapse and desire for heat. 

Camph. — Early stage, stools loose, watery, with vomiting 
and great exhaustion; in a later stage there is icy-coldness, 
usually with dryness of the surface of the body, may be 
sudden suppression of all discharges, and collapse. 

Carb. veg. — Collapse and desire to be fanned. 

Cupr., Jatro. — With cramps in the calves. 

Secale cor. — Icy-coldness of the surface, yet intolerance of 
being covered. 

Ver. a. — Vomiting, thirst, rice-water stools and cold sweat. 

infantum, with brain troubles — Apis, Calc. phos., China, Ign., 
Opium, Sulph., Zinc. 
from checked perspiration — A con., Fer. phos. 

Chordee — Camph., Camph. mono-brom., Cann. Ind., Canth., Caps. 

Chorea — 

Agar. — Chorea and chorea-like twitchings, especially of the 
facial muscles, due to irritable nerves the result of over- 
study or excessive brain-work; quiet during sleep. 

Asterias rub. — Quiet only when the hands are in the pocket. 



32 COMPARISONS. 

Chorea — 

Caust. — Especially affecting the muscles of the right side 
and eyeball. 

Cim. — Especially the muscles of the left side. 

Coccul. — Coming on when the patient is exhausted. 

Crocus — With hysteria and repeated nosebleed of dark blood. 

Cupr. — Aggravation during pregnancy. 

Cupr., Ign.j Lauroc, Strain., Viscum — From fright. 

Hyosc. — With clutching motions of the hands. 

Lauroc. — With spasmodic action of the muscles of the throat 
and oesophagus, the drink rolls audibly through the oesoph- 
agus and intestines. 

Opium — With occasional jerks, especially of the flexors; 
"twitchings continue during sleep" (Lilienthal). 

Sticta — Hysterical chorea, worse evening and night, constant 
jumping about, feet and legs feel as if floating in the air. 

Stram. — Chorea especially of the muscles of the face. 

Sulph. — " Chronic cases, particularly after suppressed erup- 
tions" (Hering). 

Tarent., Zinc, Zizia — Chorea in which the feet are particu- 
larly affected and especially during sleep. 

from fright — Cupr., Ign., Lauroc, Stram., Viscum. 

Climacteric — 

cough — Lack., Sang., Senecio. 

headache — Amyl nit., Cim., Crocus, Gels., Lack., Sang. 

"hot flushes"— 

Amyl nit. — With headache and general flushing of the 

face and upper part of the body. 
Bell., Glon. — With a severer headache and longer last- 
ing flushing. 
Calc carb. — For fat and listless women who perspire 

easily. 
Jaborandi — Flushing at the climacteric, with profuse 
perspiration, cold extremities, nausea and vomiting. 
Lack. — With desire to loosen the clothes about the neck 
and waist. 



COMPARISONS. 33 

Climacteric — 

" hot flushes"— 

Sang. — Flushing, with headache, better open air and 
sleep. 

Sep. — With palpitation and sweat. 

Sulph. ac. — Sudden or " frequent flushes" (Minton). 
menorrhagia — 

Calc. carb., Crocus, Merc. v. — Menorrhagia or metror- 
rhagia. 

Sabina — With pain from small of back to genitals. 

Trill. — Profuse gushing on least movement. 

Ustil. — Blood bright red and watery or partly clotted, 
the uterus seemingly soft and spongy and suffering 
from passive congestion. 

Vinca — Continuous flow particularly at the climacteric, 
or haemorrhages after. 

Clothes- 
tendency to throw off the — 

Carb. veg. — Where they feel faint and must have air, so 

they throw off the bed-clothes and desire to be fanned. 
Hyosc. — Where in delirium they throw off the clothes 

in order to expose the genitals. 
Ign.- — With the contrary conditions; during fever they 

want to be covered and when they are cold they want 

to be uncovered. 
Lack. — Where they do not want the clothes to touch 

them. 
Led. — Where the pains are worse from heat (Puis.) and 

they wish to be uncovered in order to get relief. 
Plat. — They uncover the lower extremities before wak- 
ing. 
Secale cor. — Cold to the touch, but with a sensation of 

burning up internally, will resist any attempt made to 

cover them. 
Sulph. — Where the palms of the hands and soles of the 

feet burn at night and they stick them out from under 

the bed-clothes in order to cool them off. 



34 COMPARISONS. 

Clothes- 
tendency to throw off the — 

Tabac. — Cholera infantum, with icy-coldness of the ex- 
tremities, nausea and vomiting, collapse, desire to 
uncover. 
Coccyx — 

injuries to — Am., Carb. an., Hyper. 

neuralgia of — Canth., Carb. an., Canst., Cicuta, Fluor, ac, 

Kali bi., Lack., Nux m., Paris quad. 
plug-like pain between pubis and coccyx — Aloe. 
r. ovary and uterus — Iod. 

Cold — catches, etc. — (see Aggravation, air), 
extremities — (see Extremities). 

Colic — (see details under Stomach). 

Collapse — Am. carb., Ant. ars., Ant. t, Ars., Camph., Carb. veg., 
Carbol. ac., China, Colch., Crot. h., Cupr., Merc, cyan., Secale 
cor., Ver. a. 

Condylomata — Nit. ac, Staph., Thuja. 

Constipation — 

after enemas— Opium, Sulph. 

purgatives — Hydr., Nux v. 
alternating with diarrhoea — Am. mur., Ant. cr., Carduus mar., 

Chel., Con., Helleb., Ign., Nux v., Pids. 
of children — Alumina, Hydr., Mag. mur., Nux v. 
bleeding at anus from dry stool — Alumina, Mezer., Nat. mur. 
soft stool passed with difficulty — Anacard., Hep. s., Ign., 

Nux v., Sep., Sil. 
ineffectual urging — 

Anacard. — Felt more in rectum and ceases while at 

stool. 
Caust., Hep. s. — Ineffectual urging, owing to lack of 

expulsive power. 
Con. — Obstinate constipation, frequent, almost inef- 
fectual desire, hard stool followed by tremulous weak- 
ness. 



COMPARISONS. 35 

Constipation — 

ineffectual urging — 

Nux v. — Urging felt more in the abdomen (Ign.), con- 
tinues while at and after leaving stool. 
Sil. — The urging is without result and has to cease ow- 
ing to the irritable condition of the sphincter. 
Sulph. — With the ineffectual urging to stool the desire 
is felt in the rectum and is due to a dry, irritable con- 
dition of the mucous membrane of the rectum, 
with feeling of load or plug in the rectum — 

Anacard., Plat, Sep., Sulph. — Sensation of a plug in 

the rectum which cannot be gotten rid of. 
Kali bi. — Sensation of a plug in the anus making it 

almost impossible to sit down. 
Aloe. — A feeling of heavy pressure in the lower part of 
the abdomen, or as of a plug in the pelvis, 
and haemorrhoids — (see Haemorrhoids). 
stools black — Bry., Lept., Nux v., Plumb., Ver. a. 

large and hard — Bry., Graph., Kali carb., Mezer., 

Plat., Sil., Ver. a. 
small, sheep-dung — Alumina, Kali carb., Mag. carb., 

Nat. carb., Nat. mur., Opium, Plumb. 
covered with mucus — Alumina, Am. mur., Graph., 
Hydr., Mag. mur., Nit. ac, Opium. 

Convulsions, from — 

eruptions, suppression of — 

Ailant., Apis — In meningitis from suppressed eruptions, 
with stupor apparently the result of effusion. 

Bry. — Frequently indicated in scarlet fever and measles 
when the eruption does not develop well, or in menin- 
gitis from suppressed eruptions. 

Camph. — Coldness and blueness of the skin as the re- 
sult of suppressed eruptions, with rapid sinking of 
the strength. 

Cupr. — "For the suppression of the eruption, or where 
the eruption fails to come out and convulsions are 
the result, due to nervous erethism in young people 
who usually enjoy good health" (Lilienthal). 
4 



36 COMPARISONS. 

Convulsions, from — 

eruptions, suppression of — 

Gels. — Of great value, especially in measles, to bring out 

and keep out the eruption. 
Helleb. — For the effects of repressed exanthemata sim- 
ulating hydrocephalus. 
Stram. — With the delirium and suppressed urine. 
Sulph. — Hydrocephalus from the retrocession of erup- 
tions. 
Zinc. — "Convulsions due to want of vitality to bring the 
rash out, vital force below par, nervously too weak to 
develop the eruption" (Lilienthal). 
fright — Aeon., Hyosc., Ign., Opium, Stram., Zinc. 
indigestion — 

Absinth. — Prolonged and successive spasms from indi- 
gestion. 
Mthusa — Has arrested convulsions which were due to 

indigestion. 
Chel. — Convulsions preceded by mental heaviness and 

sleepiness. 
Cicuta — Tonic and tetanic, with violent opisthotonos, 
insensibility, face congested and sweaty; may be re- 
newed by touch, noise or jar, and are always followed 
by great exhaustion. 
Nux v. — Often a palliative in epileptiform convulsions, 
especially when brought on by indigestion, 
menses, suppression of — Bell., Gels., Ver. a., Zinc. 
puerperal — (see Pregnancy, puerperal convulsions), 
reflex from uterus — Aurum mur. nat., Plat., Ver. a. 
sleep, during — 

Lack. — "The patient has none while awake, but as soon 

as he is asleep they appear" (Guernsey). 
Nit. ac. — Epileptiform convulsions at night on going 
to bed; a long drive will keep them off. 
teething — Aeon., Bell., Cham., Cicuta, Cupr., Ign., Melilot. 
throat, touching — Canth., Lach. 
ursemic — Am', carb., Cann. Ind., Cupr., Hydrocy. ac, Petrol., 

Phyto., Plumb. 
worms — Cicuta, Cupr., Ign., Sabad. 



COMPARISONS. 37 

Corns — Ant. cr., Ba. carb., Nit. ac, Petrol., Ran. seel., Sulph. 
Ran. seel. — Corns on the toes, with burning and soreness, 
especially painful on letting the feet hang down. 

Coryza — 

better open air — 

All. cep. — Sneezing, running from the nose and head- 
ache better in the open air. 
Iod. — Coryza, with some stuffiness of the nose and in- 
creased flow in the open air. 
Nux v. — With stuffiness of the nose, which stuffiness 
as well as the discharge from the nose, are better in 
the open air. 
Tellur. — Coryza, with lachrymation and hoarseness, 
better by a more or less prolonged stay in the open air. 
comes and goes — Agar., Euphr. 
worse from exposure to dry cold — Aeon., Nux v. 
kind of — 

preventing nursing — Nux v., Sambu. 
discharge — 

alternating profuse and stopped — Ars., Mang., 

Nat. mur., Nux v. 
excoriating — All. cep., Am. carb., Am. mur., Ars., 
Ars. iod., Arum tri., Brom., Gels., Kali iod., Lye., 
Merc, corr., Merc, v., Nux v., Sinapis. 
fluent, profuse 

Aeon. — Incipient coryza, nares hot and dry, 
or hot fluid discharge, but in either case there 
is chilliness alternating with heat. 
All. cep. — Discharge very profuse and acrid, 

or wiping the nose makes it sore. 
Am. mur. — Discharge scalding hot and associ- 
ated with a feeling of coldness between the 
shoulders. 
Ars. — Fluent coryza, with watery, burning, 
acrid discharge that excoriates the upper lip. 
Ars. iod. — An aggravated Ars. condition. 
Arum tri. — Fluent, acrid, ichorous discharge, 
which forms crusts on the wings of the nose. 



38 COMPARISONS. 

Coryza — 

kind of — 

discharge — 

fluent, profuse — 

Eupat. per]. — With thirst, heaviness over head, 
bone-pains, soreness of eyeballs. 

Euphr. — Incipient and profuse coryzas, ex- 
coriating discharge from the eyes, bland dis- 
charge from the nose. 

Gels. — Coryza associated with aching, espe- 
cially of the head and shoulders, and with 
physical weakness. 

Iod. — In acute fluent coryza, the discharge is 
hot, the nose becoming sore, with headache, 
etc. 

Kali iod. — Profuse acrid coryza, the excor- 
iating water flows in a stream. 

Lye. — With stoppage of the nose, sometimes 
excoriating discharge; too frequently over- 
looked in acute coryzas. 

Merc. corr. — Fluent coryza, with extremely 
violent symptoms, discharge burning, mak- 
ing the nose very sore. 

Merc. v. — Thin mucous discharge that excor- 
iates the nostrils. 

Nat. carb. — With violent sneezing and pro- 
fuse discharge of thin mucus, both aggravat- 
ed by slightest draft or when undressing. 

Nat. mar. — Coryza, fluent or changing to stop- 
ped, with feeling of dryness in the nares or 
with occasional sudden discharge of pure 
water. 

Nux v. — Of value in the beginning of a se- 
vere coryza, which is somewhat fluent dur- 
ing the day and stopped at night, or the 
stoppage may alternate between the nostrils. 

Osmium — Violent fluent coryza, with tickling 
in the larynx and dyspnoea; may be with 
ineffectual efforts to sneeze. 



COMPARISONS. 39 

Coryza — 

kind of — 

discharge — 

hot — Aeon., All. cep., Am. carb., Am. mur., Ars., 
Ars. iod., lod., Merc, corr., Sabad. 
with — 

headache — (see Headache, worse, coryza). 
pain at root of nose — All. cep., Brom., Eupat. perf., 
Euphr., Iod., Kali iod., Nux v., Ran. bulb., Sang, nit., 
Sticta. 
stoppage of nose — 

Arum tri. — Nose becomes completely stopped and 

constant desire to remove the dried mucus. 
Ign. — (not so spoken of in the Handbook but on 
Dr. Allen's authority) — Especially when as- 
sociated with the well-known disposition. 
Kali iod. — First one and then the other nostril is 

stopped, with profuse acrid discharge. 
Lye. — With swelling of the nose externally and stop- 
page internally, the stoppage of the nose being 
especially worse at night. 
Mang. — Alternating fluent and stopped coryza. 
Nat. mur. — Alternating fluent and stopped, sudden 
discharges of clear water from the nose, lachry- 
mation, loss of smell and taste. 
Nit. ac. — Stopped anteriorly, discharge into phar- 
ynx from posterior nares. 
Nux v. — With relief in the open air. 
Puis. — Discharge during the day, stoppage at night ; 

loss of smell. 
Ran. bulb. — Stoppage of nose worse evening, with 
tingling and crawling in nose, and burning in 
the eyes. 
Sabad. — Complete obstruction and profuse lachry- 

mation. 
Sinapis — Nostrils alternately affected, excoriating 
discharge. 



40 COMPARISONS. 

Coryza — 

with — 

stoppage of nose — 

stoppage at night, discharge during the day — Iod., 
Nat. carb., Nux v., Puis. 
discharge alternating profuse and stopped — Ars., Mang., 
Nat. raw., Nux v. 

Cough- 
better — 

drinking — Brora., Caust., Cupr., Nux v., Spong. 
cold drinks — Caust. 
warm drinks — Nux v. 
eating — Sep., Spong. 

heat, warmth — Bry., Carb. veg., Kali bi., Ruraex. 
lying— 

Calc. phos. — Suffocative cough of children. 
Kali bi. — Sometimes better when lying down. 
Mang. — The deep cough, without expectoration. 
Sinapis — A hacking cough. 

Eupat. per]. — Worse lying on the back, better ly- 
ing on the face. 
Nux v. — Worse lying on the back, better lying on 
the side. 
or must hold chest — (see Cough, with, chest, must hold), 
worse — 

after first sleep — Agar., Aral, r., Hyosc, Lack. 

midnight — Ars., Dros., Ruraex, Sarabu., Spong. 

3 a. m. — Ara. carb., Kali carb., Nat. sulph. 

first waking — Cina, Cocc. c, Sep. 

waking to rising — Arabra gr., Cocc. c, Kali bi., Nux v., 

Sep. 
air, cold — 

Ars., Coral, rub., Hep. s., Rhus t. — Cough caused 
by cold air, the two last especially, even from put- 
ting the hands out of bed. 
Mentha p. — Irritable cough from the supra-sternal 
fossa, aggravated by cold air and from tobacco 
smoke. 



COMPARISONS. 41 

Cough- 
worse — 

air, cold — 

Phos. ac, Sit., Spong., Squilla — Aggravation from 

cold air. 
Rumex — Tickling in supra-sternal fossa, aggrava- 
tion on lying down and from cold air; puts hand 
over mouth or head under bed-clothes for re- 
lief, 
putting hands out of bed — Hep. s. } Rhus t. 
aneurism — Magnol. gr., Spong. 
anger or crying — Ant. L, Am., Nit. ac, Ver. a. 

Bell — Cough preceded by crying, 
cold drinks — Carb. veg., Hep. s., Puis., Squilla, Ver. a. 
coughing — Agar., Ign., Squilla. 
drinking — Bry., Hyosc. 

cold drinks — Carb. veg., Hep. s., Puis., Squilla, 

Ver. a. 
warm drinks — Stan. 
eating — Ant. ars., Arg. met., Bry., Carb. veg., China, 

Hyosc, Kali bi., Nux v., Thuja, Ver. a. 
heat or warmth of bed — Caust., Puis. 

room — Aeon., Puis., Senega, Spong., 
Ver. a. 
coming into a warm room — Bry., Nat. carb., 
Phos., Ver. a. 
inspiration — Brom., Mang., Rumex, Sticta. 
laughing — Arg. met., China, Nit. ac, Stan. 
lying down or must sit up — No 1 — Ant. ars., Aral, r., 
Aran., Con., Grind, rob., Grind, 
squar., Hyosc, Nat. sulph., Op- 
ium, Phelland., Phos., Puis., Sam- 
bu., Sang., Spong., Sticta, Zinc. 
No. 2— 

Aral. r. — Cough after the first 
sleep, from tickling in throat; 
must sit up and cough violently. 



42 COMPARISONS. 

Cough- 
worse — 

lying down or must sit up — 

Con. — Worse lying down day or 
night, must sit up and cough 
it out. 
Hyosc. — Cough almost incessant 
when lying, better sitting up. 
Phelland. — In bronchitis and em- 
physema, where the cough com- 
pels him to sit up day and 
night. 
Sang. — Dry cough waking him, 
better sitting up and discharg- 
ing flatus upward and down- 
ward. 
Zinc. — Easy, frothy expectora- 
tion, cough better sitting up. 
on r. side — Am. mur., Bern, ac, Merc, v., Senega, 
Stan. 
back— 

Am. mur. — Worse lying on back or r. side. 

Ars. — Worse lying on back. 

Ewpat. per}. — Worse lying on back, better 

lying on face. 
Nux v. — Cough about midnight if she lies 

on back, better lying on side. 
Phos. — Worse lying on back or 1. side, 
with head low — Sambu., Spong. 
at climacteric — Lach., Sang., Senecio. 
reflex — Ign., Kali brom., Lack., Plat., Sang. 
strangers, presence of — Ambra gr., Phos. 
stomach symptoms — 

Con. — Gastralgia, with spasmodic cough. 

Nux v. — Cough associated with indigestion and 

worse after eating. 
Rumex — Sympathetic gastric cough. 



COMPARISONS. 43 

Cough- 
worse — 

talking — 

Arum tri. — In laryngitis, with great hoarseness, the 
result of talking, with frequent need to clear the 
throat. 
Caust. — Cough caused by coughing or on inspira- 
tion. 
Cim. — Tickling in larynx, worse speaking, causing 
inclination to cough, or nervous cough excited 
by every attempt to speak. 
Cina — In whooping cough the "child is afraid to 
speak or move for fear it will bring on a fit of 
coughing' ' (Lilienthal). 
Hep. s. — Cough loose and almost uninterrupted, 

worse from talking. 
Hyosc. — Irritable, dry cough from talking or sing- 
ing. 
Mang. — Cough from talking or reading aloud, with 

dryness and rawness in larynx. 
Menth. p. — Cough caused by talking, from cold air 

or from smoke. 
Phos. — Cough dry and violent on reading aloud. 
Stan. — Cough worse talking or laughing. 
tickling as from a feather — Am. carb., Calc. carb., Dros., 
Ign., Lye, Phos. ac, Rumex. 
sulphur fumes — 

Ars. — From a constrictive sen- 
sation in upper part of larynx as 
from sulphur fumes. 
China — Hacking cough worse morn- 
ing as from irritation of sulphur 
fumes; no expectoration. 
Ign. — Tickling in throat "as from 
sulphur fumes" (Lippe), worse 
from coughing. 



44 COMPARISONS. 

Cough- 
worse — 

tickling as from sulphur fumes — 

Ipec. — Dry cough, with a feeling 
of suffocation as if one had in- 
haled sulphur fumes, the patient 
becoming blue in the face, with 
coughing. 
Lye. — Is next in importance to Ipec. 
and has a tickling cough, as from 
sulphur fumes, with gray salt ex- 
pectoration, 
irritation in supra-sternal fossa — Apis, Menth. p., Nat. 

mur., Rhus t., Rumex. 
elongation of uvula — Alumina, Cocc. c, Hyosc, Lack., 

Merc. bin. 
touching larynx — Apis, Lack., Rumex. 
wet, damp weather — 

Calc. carb. — All conditions worse from dampness. 
Dulc. — Especially in chronic bronchitis of old peo- 
ple, cough worse change of weather to cold and 
wet. 
Ipec. — Broncho-pneumonia of children caused by 

warm damp atmosphere. 
Nat. sulph. — Cough worse 3-4 a. m., and in damp 

weather, 
Rhus t. — Cough worse during wet weather, 
kind of — 

abdominal — Con., Dros., Sep., Ver. a. 
stomach — Bry., Con., Phos., Phos. ac, Rumex. 
constant — 

Caust. — A more or less constant cough caused by 
talking, and especially on expiration; a cigarette 
cough. 
Hyosc. — Cough almost incessant when lying down, 
better sitting up; often caused by elongation of 
the uvula. 



COMPARISONS. 45 

Cough- 
kind of — 

constant — 

Ign. — Irritable nervous cough becoming almost con- 
stant. The more he coughs the more he wants 
to. 

Menth. p. — Short, irritating cough, worse cold air 
and tobacco smoke. 

Rumex — Hacking cough worse at night and from 
cold air. 

Sticta — "Minute gun' 7 cough of measles or of nerv- 
ous, hysterical patients, 
dry night, loose day — Calc. carb., Phos. ac, Puis., Sambu. 

day, loose night — Am. mur. 
loose, rattling — 

Am. carb. — Large amounts of mucus in the chest 
which are raised with difficulty or not at all. 

Am. mur. — Rattling of mucus and profuse expector- 
ation, especially in old people, with a feeling of 
coldness between the shoulders. 

Ant. ars. — Loose rattling cough, with great pros- 
tration and restlessness. 

Ant. t. — Cough associated with profound prostra- 
tion and cold sweat, but no pain. 

Chel. — Cough loose and rattling, the expectoration 
raised with difficulty; pain under the r. scapula. 

China — Loud rales through the chest, with profuse 
expectoration and great debility; the chest is 
very sensitive to touch, with intolerance of pres- 
sure on it. 

Hep. s. — Profuse collection of mucus, which is diffi- 
cult to loosen, and free sweating; the cough is 
worse from cold air and always worse towards 
morning. 

Ipec. — Loud mucous rales in the chest, and with 
the cough we have vomiting. 



46 COMPARISONS 

Cough- 
kind of — 

loose, rattling — 

Mephit. — Spasmodic cough, especially whooping 
cough, rales in the upper part of the chest, feel- 
ing as if he could not exhale, and vomiting. 

Merc. v. — Loose nocturnal cough, general aggra- 
vation from lying on the r. side. 

Mosch. — In whooping cough and in threatening par- 
alysis of the lungs the chest is filled with mucus 
and there is great difficulty in expectorating it. 

Senega — Rattling of mucus in the chest, either in 
oedema of the lungs or in r.-sided pneumonia, 
with violent stitches in the chest, worse from 
inspiration or cough. 

Sil. — In the suppurative stage of phthisis, or in 
bronchorrhcea of old people, with profuse and 
offensive expectoration. 

Squilla — Loose, rattling, spasmodic cough, with 
difficulty in raising the mucus, associated with 
severe stitching pains in the sides of the chest, 
especially the 1. side. 

Ver. a. — In bronchitis of old people, with rattling 
of mucus, inability to expectorate it, great pros- 
tration and cold sweat, 
nervous — 

Agar. — Cough comes on in sudden convulsive at- 
tacks and may cause haemorrhage. 

Ambra gr. — Nervous spasmodic cough, especially 
on waking in the morning, and ending in violent 
eructations. 

Asar. — A general state of irritable nerves, with 
flatulence and nervous hacking cough. 

China — Dry, hacking, nervous cough, with palpi- 
tation and intolerance of tight clothing. 

Cim. — Nervous cough excited by every attempt 
to speak. 



COMPARISONS. 47 

Cough- 
kind of — 

nervous — 

Coff. cr. — Nervous cough, with anxiety and sleep- 
lessness. 
Coral, rub. — In severe paroxysms, with vomiting 

of mucus. 
Ign. — Nervous, irritable cough, which becomes al- 
most incessant, not better from coughing, but 
worse the more he coughs. 
Lack. — Nervous cough at the climacteric. 
Phos. — Nervous cough excited by any stranger en- 
tering the room. 
Plat. — Nervous dry cough, with palpitation and 

dyspnoea. 
Sticta — Constant, painless cough. 
of old people — Am. carb., Am. mur., Ant. t, Ba. carb., 
Carb. veg., Con., Dros., Dulc, Kreos., Lye, Senega, 
Sil.j Ver. a. 
reflex — Ign., Kali brom., Lack., Plat., Sang. 
whooping, gets blue in the face — Coral, rub., Crot. h., 
Cwpr., I pec, Mephit. 
with diarrhoea — Sang., Ver. a. 
hemorrhages — 

Am. — With nosebleed of dark blood or 

haemorrhage into the conjunctiva. 
Bell. — With hot face and head and nose- 
bleed. 
Coral, rub. — Violent paroxysms of cough, 
preceded by sensation of smothering, 
and the patient grows blue in the face; 
cough ending in exhaustion, vomiting 
of tough mucus and expectoration of 
blood. 
Crot. h. — With great debility and cardiac 
weakness; blueness or puffiness of face, 
haemorrhage from eyes, ears and gums. 



48 COMPARISONS. 

Cough- 
kind of— 

whooping — 

with haemorrhages — 

Dros. — Haemorrhage from the mouth and 
nose, and suffocation, with the character- 
istic holding of the sides or chest while 
coughing. 

Ipec. — Cough paroxysmal and besides 
causing retching and vomiting, the child 
gets blue in the face and has haemor- 
rhages into the eye, from the nose or 
from the lungs, 
spasms or paroxysms — 

Cocc. c. — The attacks ending with vomit- 
ing of ropy mucus. 

Coral, rub. — Indicated by the extreme 
violence of the paroxysms, which are 
often preceded by a sensation of smoth- 
ering, and followed by exhaustion and 
vomiting of quantities of tough mucus. 

Cupr. — The child seems to almost suffo- 
cate, becomes blue in the face and vom- 
its; paroxysms better from drinking 
water. 

Dros. — Paroxysms worse after midnight. 

Lauroc. — In the latter stages when the pa- 
tient is very much prostrated and has 
many symptoms of nervous spasm. 

Mephit. — With mucous rales through upper 
part of chest and suffocation, a feeling 
as if he could not exhale; vomiting of 
food. 

Mosch. — With rattling of mucus and ex- 
treme suffocation. 

Naphthal. — With long continued parox- 
ysms of coughing, cannot get an inspir- 
ation. 



COMPARISONS. 49 

Cough- 
kind of — 

whooping — 

with spasms or paroxysms — 

Sambu. — With suffocative spasms and ex- 
pectoration of tough mucus during the 
day; cough worse after midnight or from 
lying with the head low. 
Stram. — Most violent paroxysms, with 
suffocation almost convulsive; the child 
starts up in fright. 
Ver. a. — Every attack is followed by great 
exhaustion and cold sweat; sometimes 
accompanied by vomiting and diarrh- 
oea. 
Zinc. — It is said to be characteristic of 
the remedy, when during the parox- 
ysms of cough the child grasps the genit- 
als, 
causes and with — 

chest, as if it would burst — 

Caps. — Cough causes bursting headache , a 
feeling as if the chest would fly to pieces and 
pains in distant parts, knees, legs, etc. 
Lactuca — Incessant spasmodic cough, with great 
irritation of the larynx; the cough threatens 
to burst the chest, is associated with a sense 
of suffocation and is followed by copious ex- 
pectoration, 
with stitches in — Aeon., Ammoniacum, Am. mur., 
Am., Borax, Bry., Chel., Kali carb., Kali iod., 
Kali nit., Merc, v., Nat. mur., Ran. bulb., Sen- 
ega, Squilla, Zizia. 
must hold — 

Bry. — Stitches in chest or under sternum on 
coughing, with necessity to hold the chest 
with the hand. 



50 COMPARISONS. 

Cough- 
causes and with — 
chest — 

must hold — 

Con. — Has a so-called stomach cough; it seems 
as if the cough came from the abdomen and 
he must hold the body tight; little expectora- 
tion. 

Bros. — Cough worse on first lying down and 
after midnight, the paroxysms end with 
choking, vomiting and cold sweat; associated 
with pain in the hypogastrium, or convul- 
sions of the muscles of the chest or abdomen, 
so that he must sit up and hold his sides 
with his hands. 

Eupat. per]. — Cough generally worse when ly- 
ing on the back, better when lying on the 
face; the cough hurts the head and chest 
and the patient holds the chest with the 
hands. 

Nat. sulph. — Asthma, cough at night, relief 
from sitting up and holding the chest with 
both hands. 

Ver. a. — Violent fits of coughing, followed by 
eructations of gas ; the cough seems to start 
from the abdomen, which has to be held 
when coughing; worse in a warm room, 
with eructations — 

Ambra gr. — Nervous, spasmodic cough, with 
frequent eructations, distress about the heart, 
etc. These attacks come on especially on 
waking in the morning and the chest becomes 
very sore to external touch. 

Sang. — Dry cough at night, which wakens him, 
with relief from sitting up and especial re- 
lief from eructations and the discharge of 
flatus. 



COMPARISONS. 51 

Cough- 
causes and with — 

with eructations — 

Ver. a. — Violent fits of coughing followed by- 
eructations of gas; the cough seems to start 
from the abdomen, which has to be held when 
coughing, 
indigestion — Con., Nux v. 

haemoptysis — (see Chest, blood, haemoptysis), 
headache, bursting — Bry., Caps., Lye, Nat. mur., 

Nux v. 
intermittent fever — Bry., Ewpat. per]., Lye, Rhus t. 
heart, palpitation — China, Lycopus, Nat. mur., Phos., 

Plat. 
jerking of extremities — Stram., Therid. 
lachrymation — All. c, Euphr., Nat. mur., Puis., 

Sabad., Squilla. 
larynx, tearing in — All. c, Arum tri., Osmium. 
nose, need to blow — Kali hi., Squilla. 
rattling of mucus — (see Cough, kind of, rattling), 
rawness behind sternum — Ammoniacum, Caust., 

Osmium, Sang. nit. 
sneezing — 

Badiaga — "The cough causes sneezing" (Lil- 

ienthal). 
Bry. — Sneezing twice when coughing. 
Osmium — The mucus hangs in the larynx like 
a thread; it irritates to hawking and cough 
and may cause vomiting, but it cannot be 
removed; after sneezing it is easily removed. 
Squilla — Violent paroxysms of cough associat- 
ed with lachrymation and sneezing, 
sweat, cold — Ant. t., Ars., Dros., Hep. s., Ver. a., 
Ver. vir. 
easy — Ant. t., Hep. s. 
5 



52 COMPARISONS. 

Cough- 
causes and with — 
urinating — 

Caust. — Dry, hacking cough, with involuntary mic- 
turition; the sphincter of the bladder is so weak 
that even blowing the nose will cause a spurting 
of urine. 

Nat. mur. — Not only involuntary micturition on 
coughing, but the cough causes also a bursting 
headache. 

Nux v. — Irritable morning cough, with involuntary 
urinating. 

Phos. — Involuntary micturition along with a vio- 
lent cough. 

Puis. — The cough is easier and accidents are met 
with most frequently in the day time. 

Squilla — Rattling of mucus, sticking pains in the 
chest, involuntary spurting of urine. 

Ver a. — Spurting of urine especially in whooping 
cough. 

Cramps in Calves — Ambra gr., Anacard., Calc. carb., Camph., 
Caust., Cupr., Jatro., Podo., Secale cor., Sulph., Ver. a., Vib. op. 

Croup — 

Aeon. — High fever, dry skin, great mental anxiety and rest- 
lessness. 

Ant. t. — Follows well after Kali bi. 

Bronx. — Rarely in the early stage ; but when the f ebriie symp- 
toms have subsided, the patient is weak, perspiring, has 
a hard, spasmodic cough, sensation of spasmodic closure 
of the glottis and a tendency to cyanosis. 

Hep. s. — With its loose cough, prostration and cold sweat. 

lod. — If Aeon, has been given and the patient is not improving, 
or if it has only relieved the restlessness and extreme anx- 
iety but not the cough, the patient is still hot and dry and 
the cough still croupy. 



COMPARISONS. 53 

Croup — 

Kali bi. — Follows Iod. well when the fever and exceedingly- 
dry, ringing cough have given place to weakness and coldness 
and a hoarse, barking cough, with tough exudation; rarely 
in the febrile stage, 
false- 
Aeon. — With fever. 
Spong. — Without fever. 

Crosswise symptoms — Agar., Puis. 

Cyanosis — (see Venous congestion). 

Cysts of broad ligament — Bo v., Coloc, Kali brom. 

ovary — Apis, Bov., Coloc, Iod., Kali brom., Podo., 
Rhus t. 

Dandruff — 

Ars. — The whole scalp dry and scaly. 

Kali carb. — Especially of the anterior portion of the scalp. 

Kali sulph., Phos. 

Dark — fear of — Stram., Valer. 

Delirium and delusions — 

from fright — 

Aeon. — Hot head and face, restlessness and mental an- 
guish, and talking about death. 
Opium — With flushed face and cold extremities, 
fear of being poisoned — Hyosc, Kali brom., Rhus t., Ver. v. 
having committed a crime — Chel., Merc, v., Ver. a., 
Zinc. 
he is pursued — Anacard., Grot, h., Hyosc, Kali brom., 

Lach., Stram. 
wants to get out of bed — Bell., Hyosc, Lach., Opium, 

Rhus t., Stram. 
strange people about him — 

Thuja — Standing about his chair or bed. 

Ver. a. — More people or crowds that get close to her. 



54 COMPARISONS. 

Delirium and delusions — 

someone else in bed, etc. — 

Aranea — In nervous exhaustion, a sensation at night 

as if her hands or arms were enormously enlarged. 

Bapt. — Especially in the early morning an idea that 

pieces of his body are lying around loose in bed. 
Phos. — Feels that he has come to pieces. 
Petrol. — Fancies that another person is sick in the same 

bed with him. 
Straw,. — Abnormal sense of the proportions of his body; 
that certain parts are of unnatural size or that they 
are double, 
two persons or wills — Anacard., Cann. Ind. 
souls separated from body — Cann. Ind., Thuja. 
under superhuman control — Lack. 

thinks he is God. — Glon. 
superiority of self — 

Cann. Ind., Phos. — From supposed riches. 
Lye, Phos. — From his grandeur or importance. 
Plat. — Fancies herself great and superior, and her neigh- 
bors small and inferior. 
delirium — 

Bell. — Is fierce and brave. 

Hyosc. — Is jolly and companionable. 

Stram. — Is wild and cowardly. 

Ver. a. — Is hopeless and despairing (all from Talcott). 

from suppression of the menses — Apis, Bell., Plat. 

sees rats — Bell., Cim., Crot. h., Opium, Stram. 

tremens — 

Anacard. — With restlessness, swearing and hearing 

voices saying that he is going to die. 
Bell. — With fury wants to tear things, strike or 

spit at you. 
Cann. Ind. — With misapprehensions concerning 

time and space. 
Cim. — Sees rats; or its resinoid Macrotin, to in- 
duce sleep. 



COMPARISONS. 55 

Delirium and delusions — 

delirium tremens — 

Coff. cr. — Extreme activity of mind and great acute- 

ness of all senses. 
Crot. h. — In repeated attacks; broken-down con- 
stitution ; is surrounded by large and hideous ani- 
mals. 
Hyosc. — Talkative and obscene. 
Lack. — Worse after first sleep; suffocative feeling 

about the throat. 
Mescal button (Anhalonium leimnii) — Partly the 
jolly Hyosc. case, without its lewdness; partly 
the Stram. case, with the many small animals 
about him, and dislike rather than fear of them. 
Opium — Worse from the least additional amount 

of alcohol. 
Ran. bulb. — Especially to ward off a threatened 

attack. 
Stram. — Visions and terrors concerning snakes and 
other animals, 
talking — 

Aurum — Constant rapid questioning without waiting 

for an answer; constant praying. 
Bell. — Wild talk and actions. 
Bry. — Talking of his daily business. 
Cann. Ind. — Flowery talk, with constant flow. 
Cim., Lack. — Jumping from one subject to another. 
Hyosc. — Obscene talk. 

Stram. — Confined to one subject and he is apt to im- 
agine that he is talking to spirits or to absent people. 
Ver. a. — "They pray and curse in alternation" (Talcott). 
obscene talk. — Hyosc, Plat., Ver. a. 
muttering — A con., Bapt., Helleb., Hyosc, Lack., Mur. 
ac, Tarax., Ver. a. 

Dementia — 

senile — Anacard., Ba. carb., Calc carb., Con., Crot. h., Hep. 
«., Lack., Phos. ac. 



56 COMPARISONS. 

Dentition— (see Teeth). 
Desires — (see Amelioration). 

Diabetes — 

insipidus — Arg. met., Helon. 

polyuria — Arg. met., Helon., Murex, Nat. mur., Squilla. 
mellitus — 

Acet. ac. — Urine increased and high colored; anaemia, 
emaciation and increased sweat. 

Arg. met. — Possibly useful in glycosuria. 

Am.— With tendency to boils. 

Ars. — Of frequent use, with the thirst and debility. 

Carbol. ac. — " Obesity or tendency to it" (Lilienthal). 

Codein. — " Worse from anxiety or overwork" (Hering). 

Helon.— With the symptoms of Uran. nit. and in ad- 
dition, restlessness and melancholia. 

Iod. — Especially with canine hunger. 

Kali brom. — With impaired memory and dryness of the 
mouth. 

Nat. sulph. — Especially with deficiency of the pancre- 
atic secretion. 

Phos. ac. — One of the most frequently indicated reme- 
dies, especially with mental apathy and physical weak- 
ness. 

Phos. — When associated with phthisis. 

Rhus arom. — Of benefit when there is pruritus of the 
vulva. 

Sil. — Emaciation, profuse sweats and sensitiveness to 
cold; tendency to gangrenous ulceration. 

Syzygium — Hughes speaks of it, and Lilienthal says it 
"diminishes the amount of urine secreted and causes 
sugar to disappear. " 

Uran. nit. — Originating in dyspepsia or assimilative de- 
rangement. 

Diaphragm — 

inflammation of — Bry., Cact., Ran. bulb. 
neuralgia of — Cim. 



COMPARISONS. 57 

Diarrhoea or dysentery — 

better — 
milk — 

Chel. — desire for milk or hot drinks. 
Rhus t. — Craving for cold milk, 
worse — 

morning, early — 

Podo. — Goes on a trot. 
Sulph. — Goes on the run. 
coffee — Cistus, Cyclam., Oxal. ac, Thuja. 
drinking — 

Arg. nit. — Stools like chopped spinach, and passed 
with much noisy flatulence and forcible splutter- 
ing. 
Ars., Bry., Coccul., Nat. sulph., Staph. — From cold 

drinks. 
Coloc. — With its colic. 

Crot. t. — Where the drink seems to pass right through. 
Fer., Phos. ac, Podo. — Painless diarrhoea. 
Grat. — Profuse, gushing and often painless, worse 
excessive drinking of water, often with feeling 
of coldness in abdomen. 
Ver. a. — With pain, collapse and cold sweat. 
Zingib. — From drinking bad water, 
eating — Aloes, Apis, Apoc. can., China, Coloc, Crot. t., 
Per., Rep. s., Nat. carb., Nat. sulph., Phos. ac, Podo., 
Thuja. 

or drinking, painless — Per., Phos. ac, Podo. 
fright, grief or excitement — 

fright — Aeon., Arg. nit., Gels., Ign., Puis. 
grief — Gels., Ign. 

emotional excitement — Arg. nit., Gels. 
sudden joy — Coff. cr. (Hering). 
fruit — Bry., Calc phos., China, Coloc, Phos. ac, Rhodo., 

Ver. a. 
hot weather — Bry., Lach., Phos., Podo. 
hot days — Bry. 
cool days — Dulc. 



58 COMPARISONS. 

Diarrhoea or dysentery — 

worse — 

ice-cream — 

richness of — Puis. 
coldness of — Ars., Bry. 
menstruation — 

before and during — Bov., Nat. mur. 
during — Am. mur. 
moving about — Bry., Nat. sulph. 
perspiration, checked — Aeon., Fer. phos. 
phthisis — China, Fer., Oleand. 
teething — Calc. phos., Cham., Fer., Kreos., Podo., Psor., 

Rheum, Sep., Sulph. 
urinating, when — Aloe, Apis, Oleand. 
wet or damp weather — Dulc., Nat. sulph., Rhodo. 
kind of — 

alternating with constipation — Am. mur., Ant. cr., Car- 

duus mar., Chel., Con., Helleb., Ign., Nux v., Puts. 
autumnal — Colch., Ipec. 
camp — Alston., Podo. 

cholera infantum, with brain troubles — Apis, Calc. phos., 
China, Ign., Opium, Sulph., Zinc. 
from checked perspiration — Aeon., 
Fer. phos. 
chronic — Apis, Arg. nit., Fer., Iod., Hep. s., Kali carb., 
Nat. mur., Nat. sulph., Phos., Phos. ac., Rumex, Staph., 
Sulph., Thuja. 
clay-colored — Berb., Calc. carb., Chel., Digit., Hep. s. 
eggs, like chopped — Cham., Nux m.. Rheum, Sul. ac. 
exhausting — Alston., Ars., Bismuth, Carb. veg., Camph., 
China, Dios., Elater., Fer., Iod., Kali chlor., Kreos., 
Nux m., Secale cor., Sep., Ver. a. 
frothy — 

Am. — Like brown yeast. 

Kali bi., Plant., Raphan., Rheum — Brown, frothy. 
Elater. — Watery, copious, frothy, may be green. 
Grat., Ipec, Mag. carb. — Green, frothy. 



COMPARISONS. 59 

Diarrhoea or dysentery — 

kind of — 
frothy — 

Coloc, Sulph. ac. — Yellow, frothy. 
lod. — Whitish, frothy. 
Benz. ac. — Like soap-suds, 
green — 

green — Aeon., Am. mur., Bell., Borax, Calc. phos., 
Dulc., Elater., Hep. s., Lauroc., Merc, v., Nit. ac, 
Faullin. sorb., Petrol., Raphan., Secale cor., Sep., 
Sulph., Zinc. 
greenish — JEthusa, Apis, Puis., Vipera. 
green as grass — Ant. t., Ipec, Merc. dulc. 
like chopped spinach — Arg. nit. 
yellow and green — Gambog. 
with green scum — Grat., Mag. carb. 
gurgling — Grat., Thuja. 
in abdomen — Jatro. 
at anus — Thuja. 
gushing — Aloe, Arg. nit., Calc. phos., Crot. t., Elater., 
Fer., Gambog., Jatro., Nat. carb., Nat. sulph., Phos. ac, 
Podo., Secale cor., Sulph., Thuja. 
involuntary — 

with gas — Aloe, China, Nat. sulph., Oleand. 
when urinating — Aloe, Apis, Oleand. 
odor — 

cadaverous, putrid — Arg. nit., Am., Ars., Calc. 

carb., Carb. veg., Carbolic ac, China, Hep. s., 

Kreos., Each., Nit.ac, Nux m., Phos., Podo., Psor., 

Rhus t., Secale cor., Sil., Stram., Sulph., Sulph. ac. 

of rotten eggs — Calc carb., Cham., Staph. 

sour — 

Calc. carb. — With its profuse, sour perspira- 
tion and large, undigested, sour stools. 
Dulc. — Sour stool, aggravation from cold, wet 

weather. 
Hep. s. — Sour stools and sour sweat. 



60 COMPARISONS. 

Diarrhoea or dysentery — 

kind of — 
odor — 
sour — 

Mag. carb. — Sour stools, sour and acid eruc- 
tations, sour odor of the body. 
Mezer. — Diarrhoea of sour and undigested 

stools. 
Nat. carb. — Watery and sour smelling stools, 

worse from milk. 
Nat. phos. — Acid and sour vomiting and diar- 
rhoea. 
Rheum — Stools excoriating, brown, frothy or 
fermented, and sour, especially during teeth- 
ing; the whole body smells sour. 
Sul. ac. — Yellow stools looking like chopped 
or scrambled eggs and foul smelling, with 
general sour odor of the whole body, 
painless, worse eating or drinking — Fer., Phos. ac, Podo. 
phthisis — China, Fer., Oleand. 
like scrapings of the intestines — Canth., Carbol. ac, Colch., 

Merc, corr., Nit. ac, Podo., Rhus t. 
undigested — Alston., Arg. nit., Calc. carb., Calc. phos., 
Cham., China, Fer., Graph., Hep. s., Kreos., Mag. carb., 
Mag. mur., Mezer., Nux m., Oleand., Phos., Phos. ac, 
Podo., Rhodo., Sulph. 
white — 

Cina — Little pieces like popped corn. 
Cubeba — Little pieces like grains of rice. 
Helleb. — White jelly-like mucus, like frog-spawn. 
Mag. carb., Phos. — White lumps like pieces of tallow. 
Rhus t. — Lumps of jelly-like mucus. 
yellow like chopped eggs — Cham., Nux m., Rheum, Sulph. 
ac. 
with — 

brain troubles — Apis, Calc. phos., China, Ign., Opium, 
Sulph., Zinc. 



COMPARISONS. 61 

Diarrhoea or dysentery— 

with — 

burning at anus — Mscul., Aloe, Ars., Berb., Canth., Caps., 
Cornus dr., Gambog., Iris v., Kali hi., 
Merc, corr., Merc, v., Nat. carb., Nat. 
mur., Nit. ac, Oleand., Pozonia, Podo., 
Ratan., Sulph. 
after stool — Aloe, Berb., Canth., Nat. 
carb., Nit. ac, Oleand., Pceonia, Ratan. 
chill- 
before — Elater., Merc. v. 
after — Canth., Caps., Mezer. 
constipation, alternating — Am. mur., Ant. cr., Car duns 

mar., Chel., Con., Helleb., Ign., Nux v., Puis. 
cough — Rumex, Sang. 

whooping — Sang., Ver. a. 
pain before and better after — Coloc, Crot. t., Elater., 
Gambog. 
in back after — Caps., Merc, v., Nux v. 
tenesmus — 

Aeon. — In the early stages. 

Alston. — With great prostration. 

Alumina — Must strain at stool even to pass urine. 

Anacard., Hep. s., Ign., Nux v., Sulph. — With their 

ineffectual urging. 
Bapt. — Some tenesmus but not painful. 
Bell. — Constant pressure as if everything would be 

forced out. 
Canth., Caps., Digit., Merc, corr., Merc. v. — Tenes- 
mus of bladder and rectum. 
Colch. — Great tenesmus, with or without stool; in- 
ability to stretch out the legs. 
Helleb., Kali iod. — Stools of jelly-like mucus, with 

tenesmus. 
Kali bi. — With dry, red and cracked tongue; morn- 
ing aggravation.. 
Kali chlor. — With cutting pains as from knives and 
severe tenesmus. 



62 COMPARISONS. 

Diarrhoea or dysentery — 

with 

tenesmus — 

Kali nit. — Constant urging at night. 
Lil. tig. — Ineffectual urging, especially with re- 
troversion of the uterus. 
Merc. corr. — Tenesmus greater than that of any 

other drug. 
Nat. mur. — Contracted sensation at anus, must 

strain to pass stool. 
Nit ac. — With pain lasting for hours after stool. 
Podo. — With prolapsus and burning pain deep in 

rectum. 
Rheum — Diarrhoea preceded by colic and followed 

by tenesmus. 
Rhus t. — Often with tenesmus and tearing pains 

down the thighs. 
Sil. — Aggravation in the evening. 
Zinc. — Accompanied by restless extremities, 
must do — 

soft stool passed with difficulty — (see Constipation). 
be prepared for stool when passing urine — Aloe, Apis, 
Oleand. 

Diphtheria — 

bad cases — Ailant., Arum tri., Bapt., Caps., Carbol. ac, Kre- 

os., Lach., Merc, cy., Mur. ac, Naja, Sulph. ac. 
putrid odor — Bapt., Carbol. ac, Kreos., Lach., Merc. cy. 
extending to nose — Apis, Arum tri., Carbol. ac, Lye, Merc. 

cy., Mur. ac, Nit. ac. 
paralysis after — Apis, Arg. nit., Caust., Con., Gels., Kalmia, 
Naja, Nat. mur., Phos., Zinc. phos. 
of heart — Kalmia, Naja. 

Disease, acute exacerbation of — Aeon., Iod. 

Dissecting wounds — Apis, Ars., Crot. h., Lach. 

Dreams of death — Anacard., Calc. carb., Chel., Sulph. — Dreams 
of dead bodies. 

Lach. — Dreams that he himself is dead. 



COMPARISONS. 63 

Dropsy — general — Acet. ac, Adonis, Apis, Ars., Asclep. cor., 
Cad., Colch., Convall., Digit., Eupat. purp., Helleb., Lack., 
Mag. mur. 
(See special parts.) 

Drunkards, to cure — (see Alcohol). 

Dysmenorrhoea — (see Menstruation). 

Dyspepsia — (see Stomach). 

Dyspnoea — (see Breathing). 

Ear— 

boils — (see Ear, furuncles). 

deafness from chronic catarrh of E. tube and m. ear — 

Ars. iod., Gels., Graph., Hydr., Iod., Kali hi., Kali 
carb., Kali mur., Merc, dulc, Merc, v., Nit. ac, 
Petrol., Puis., Sil., Sulph. 
after exanthemata — Ars. iod., Carb. veg., Graph., Hydr., 
Lye, Merc, v., Puis. 
discharge from — 

bland — Calc. carb., Hydr., Puis. 
offensive — 

Ars., Ars. iod. — Thin, excoriating, sometimes fetid. 
Carb. veg., Elaps, Graph., Sulph. — Offensive dis- 
charge. 
Crot. h., Hep. s. — Bloody and offensive. 
Cubeba — Thick and offensive. 
Merc. v. — Excoriating and offensive. 
Petrol, Psor., Sil.— Fetid. 

Thuja — Discharge watery or purulent and smelling 
like putrid meat, 
earache — 

Aeon. — In the beginning, the result of exposure to cold 

or to cold dry winds. 
Bell. — Intense throbbing, intermittent pain, coming and 
going suddenly; temporarily relieved by pressure or 
by stopping the blood supply to the part. 
Cham. — With intolerance of the pain and aggravation 
from heat. 



64 COMPARISONS. . 

Ear- 
earache — 

China — With great sensitiveness to the slightest touch 
or pressure. 

Dulc, Mang., Nat. sulph. — Worse wet weather. 

Fer. phos. — From cold, cold winds or manipulation, es- 
pecially with redness of the tympanum (Dulc.). 

Led. — From cold, especially after having the hair cut. 

Nux v. — Worse going into a warm room or in bed. 

Phyto. — Right-sided, with pains shooting to ear when 
swallowing. 

Plant. — One of the most valuable remedies for pure 
neuralgic earache; also when due to carious teeth. 
Locally — 

Fl. ext. Plant. 

Aqua aa oz. ss 

Glycerine oz. i 

Puis. — Worse from heat, better from cold applications. 
Sil. — After bathing. 

Ver. a. — Acute inflammation, with great congestion, 
worse bathing — Sil. 

warmth of bed — Nux v., Puis. 
wet weather — Dulc, Mang., Nat. sulph. 
eczema behind — Graph., Kali hi., Lye, Mezer., Nat. mur., 

Oleand., Petrol., Staph. 
frost-bitten — Agar., Caust. 
furuncles — 

Calc. pic. — May be your first choice. 
Hep. s. — Is a good second choice. 
Merc, v., Pic. ac. — Are also of value, 
mastoid disease — Aurum, Caps., Fer. phos., Hep. s., Nit. ac, 

Sil. 
noises, cracking in — 

Ba. mur., Graph. — Cracking in ears when swallowing. 
Elaps, Nat. mur., Nit. ac. — Cracking in ears when 

chewing. 
Mang. — Cracking in ears when blowing the nose. 



COMPARISONS. 65 

Ear- 
noises, cracking in — 

Cicuta — Deafness of old people, with sudden de- 
tonations in ears, especially on swallowing, 
roaring in — Calc. carb., Caust., China, Cicuta., Digit., 
Elaps, Iod., Kali carb., Kali mur., Led., Nat. carb., 
Nux v., Petrol., Phos. ac, Pic. ac.,Rhodo.,Sang.,Sil., 
Sulph. 
in anaemia — China, Phos. ac. 
re-echoing of one's voice — Caust., Phos. 
pain in, when swallowing — (see Eustachian tube). 
polypi — Calc. carb., Calc. iod., Lye, Phos., Sang., Thuja. 
redness of drum — Dulc, Per. phos. 
sensation of cold wind blowing against — Mezer. 
wax — 

excessive — Caust., Con. — Excessive wax (Petrol.) which 

hardens. 
lack of — Carb. veg., Lach. 

Eustachian tube — 

obstruction of — Ars. iod., Gels., Graph., Hydr., Iod., Kali bi., 
Kali carb., Kali mur., Merc, dulc, Merc, v., Nit. ac, Petrol., 
Puis., Sil., Sulph. 

pain in, to ear — Bell., Gels., Hep. s., Lach., Petrol., Phyto. 

Ecchymoses — Arg. nit., Am., Crot. h., Hamam., Lach., Led., 
y Sulph. ac. 

Eczema — (refer to Itching). 

worse water — Ars. iod., Bov., Clem., Con., Crot. t, Nat. mur., 

Sulph. 
at junction of skin and m. m. — Ant. cr., Graph., Mur. ac, 

Nit. ac. 
behind ears — Graph., Kali bi., Lye, Mezer., Nat. mur., Ole- 

and., Petrol., Staph. 
to margin of hair at forehead — Hydr. 

nape of neck — Clem., Nat. mur. 
with matting of hair — (see Hair, matting of). 
of hands — Canth., Clem., Graph., Mezer., Nat. mur., Petrol. 



66 COMPARISONS. 

Eczema — 

in popliteal space — Nat. mur., Sep. 

of scrotum — Crot. t., Hydr., Nat. mur., Petrol., Urtica ur. 

with "fat" scabs — Cicuta, Mezer. 

thick crusts — Bov., Calc. carb., Cicuta, Dulc, Mezer. 

Elephantiasis — Hydrocot. 
of scrotum — Sil. 

Emphysema — 

Am. carb. — Chronic bronchitis of old people, with emphysema, 
cough worse early morning. 

Ant. ars. — Excessive dyspnoea and cough, worse eating or 
lying down. 

Ars. — Emphysema, with excessive dyspnoea, suffocative 
cough and cold perspiration. 

Camph. — In pleuro-pneumonia, with emphysema and great 
suffocation. 

Conval. — With dilatation of the heart. 

Cupr. ars. — With weight and constriction of the chest. Spok- 
en of highly by Goodno for the asthmatic conditions. 

Curare — For the dyspnoea of emphysema, "when the pa- 
tient is on his last legs" (Lilienthal). 

Kali carb. — With early morning aggravation. 

Kali iod. — With expectoration like soap-suds. 

Lack. — With aggravation on lying down, on waking and from 
pressure. 

Naphthal. — With great dyspnoea and sighing inspiration; re- 
lief from violent motion, it seems as if he could not get the 
air out of the chest. 

Phelland. — Bronchitis and emphysema, with rapid respira- 
tion; cough compels him to sit up night and day. 

Enuresis — (see Urine, with enuresis). 

Epilepsy — 

Absinth. — Spasms of children or epileptiform convulsions of 
older people; a large number of convulsions occurring in 
rapid succession for a few hours; ushered in by screaming. 
In epileptic fits put a drop of the tincture on the tongue 
and it will modify them. 



COMPARISONS. 67 

Epilepsy — 

Amyl nit. — To inhale at the time of the convulsion. 

Arg. nit. — When the patient is very restless or tremulous be- 
fore and after the attacks. 

Artemesia v. — " Several convulsions coming close together, 
and then a long interval of rest. The paroxysms are 
usually followed by sleep " (Farrington). 

Bell., Glon. — With great rush of blood to the head and face. 

Bufo — Epilepsy ushered in by a cry; livid face. Epilepsy 
the result of sexual excitement. 

Calc. carb., Sulph. — For the cachexia which leads to the de- 
velopment of epilepsy. 

Cicuta — Excessively violent convulsions, with frightful dis- 
tortions of all muscles ; spasms brought on by the slightest 
jar. 

Coccul. — Characterized by cold extremities and numbness. 

Cupr. — With the most frightful spasms, cold sweat and blue 
surface of the body. i 

Hydrocy. ac. — Convulsions ushered in by a cry. 

Hyosc, Zinc. — Especially in young children. 

Kali brom. — "It is doubtful whether the drug really cures 
true epilepsy; it certainly suppresses the convulsions for 
a time, in many cases, but it does not seem to remove the 
constitutional tendency to their recurrence ; nearly all cases 
of epilepsy are obliged to continue taking the drug, often 
in increased doses, in order to obtain its palliative effects " 
(Allen). 

Lach. — Convulsions at night; often due to masturbation. 

Nit. ac. — At night on going to bed. A long drive will keep 
off the paroxysm. 

Sil. — The aura begins in the solar plexus. 

from fright — Arg. nit., Calc. carb., Hyosc, Ign. 

with menstruation — 

Arg. nit. — When associated with menstruation. 
Artemesia v. — With irregular or deficient menstruation. 
Bufo — Attacks worse at menstrual periods. 
Caust. — Epileptiform spasms ushered in at time of pub- 
erty. 
6 



68 COMPARISONS. 

Epilepsy — 

with menstruation — 

Cim. — Associated with painful, irregular or suppressed 

menstruation. 
(Enanthe — A remedy that does not seem to have lived 
up to its reputation; it is said to have cured a case of 
epilepsy that was worse during menstruation. 
Plumb. — Epilepsy always appearing with the men- 
strual periods, and associated with the colic and cons- 
tipation of the remedy. 
Sulph. — "Yv r orse during menstruation" (Hering). 
at puberty — Caust. 

hystero-epilepsy — Asaf., Bufo, Cim., Gels., Lit. tig., Tarent., 
Ver. a. 

Epithelioma — Carbol. ac, Hydr., Kali chlor., Kali mur., Kre- 
os., Sep. 

Eructations — see (Stomach). 

Erysipelas — 

Apis — Of any part of the body or after operations, with puff- 
iness and oedematous swelling, greatly in excess of the pain, 
which is of a burning or stinging character and with de- 
sire for, or relief from cool applications to the parts. The 
trouble usually starts on the r. side and travels to the 1. 
Commencing about the eye of the r. side and spreading 
across the face to the 1. side is common. Apathy, sleepi- 
ness or even unconsciousness, 5 p. m. aggravation and 
absence of thirst. 

Am. — Inflammation dark in color, with extreme tenderness 
and tendency to ecchymoses; prostration. 

Ars. — Prostration, restlessness, burning pain. 

Bell. — Early stage; bright red swelling. 

Borax — Of face, with a feeling as if a cobweb were on it. 

Canth. — Vesicular type; especially of face, " beginning on 
nose" (Farrington), with restlessness and burning, sting- 
ing pains. 

Crot. h. — Blue look; useful after vaccination or bites of 
insects. 



COMPARISONS. 69 

Erysipelas — 

Graph. — Aggravation from heat. Useful as a prophylactic 

in recurring erysipelas of the vesicular type. 
Kali carb. — In old people and in particular with sac-like 

swelling under the eyebrow. 
Lack. — L. -sided and dark blue in color. 
Puis. — Erysipelas which shifts or changes its location. 
Rhus t. — With vesicles or large blebs; burning, tearing pains; 

much itching, worse from warmth. 
Stram., Ver. vir. — Of head and face, with cerebral symptoms. 
Examination, dread of — Anacard., Gels. 
Exanthemata — (see Measles, Scarlet fever). 
Exhaustion — (see Prostration). 
Expectoration- 
balls, of small — Agar., Phos. ac, Stan. 

blood-streaked — Aeon., Am. carb., Am., Bry., Cubeba, Digit., 
Fer., Fer. phos., Kali bi., Kreos., Nit. ac., Phos., Puis., 
Sang, nit., Selen. 
frothy — Aran., Ipec., Kali iod., CEnanthe, Phos., Zinc. 
offensive of phthisis — 

Borax — Expectoration of a mouldy smell. 

Carb. an., Carb. veg., Carbol. ac, Cubeba, Guaiac, Psor., 

Sil. — Very offensive expectoration. 
Nit. ac. — Offensive, bloody and purulent expectoration. 
Phelland. — Valuable for the extremely offensive ex- 
pectoration in the last stage of phthisis. 
ropy, tenacious — 

Ammoniacum — Cough worse at night with free expec- 
toration. 
Am. mur. — In bronchitis or broncho-pneumonia, cough 

worse lying on back or r. side. 
Arg. nit. — Thick, tenacious mucus mostly in the throat, 

associated with sticking pains. 
Cinnab. — Where the stringy mucus passes through the 

posterior nares into the throat. 
Cocc. c. — Most violent paroxysms of coughing, with suf- 
focation and difficult expectoration of thick, tenacious 
mucus, which causes strangling, retching and vomiting. 



70 COMPARISONS. 

Expectoration — 

ropy, tenacious — 

Coral, rub. — Especially in whooping cough, the severity 

of the paroxysms, followed by exhaustion and vomit- 
ing of quantities of tough mucus, being the chief in- 
dications for its use. 
Dulc. — Expectoration tough and greenish, and worse 

during damp weather. 
Grind, squar. — In asthma, with relief after raising the 

profuse, tenacious mucus. 
Hydr. — Large amounts of yellow, tenacious mucus. 
Kali hi. — Cough after waking or rising, with tenacious 

expectoration and gagging, very similar to Cocc. c. 

Also cough aggravated after eating. 
Kali carb. — Cough worse 3-4 a. m., and from cold air. 
Mag. carb. — Tenacious expectoration and sour, greenish 

stools, especially in children. 
Nat. sulph. — Cough worse 3-4 a. m., after eating and 

from damp weather. 
Osmium — In acute laryngitis, with cough, efforts to 

vomit and increased secretion of stringy mucus. 
Paris quad. — In catarrhal conditions, with tenacious 

expectoration. 
Senega — Cough worse at night, in a warm room and when 

lying on the r. side. Especially useful in elderly 

people, 
salt — Lye, Nat. carb., Nat. sulph., Phos., Sep., Stan. 
sweet — Calc. carb., Phos., Stan. 
starchy — Arg. met., Selen. 
slips back — 

Ant. t. — The mucus is allowed to slip back for fear that 

expectorating it will cause vomiting. 
Am. — The patients are too weak to spit the mucus out, 

so swallow it. 
Caust. — Expectoration is scanty and as a rule the little 

mucus that is loosened is more easily swallowed than 

raised. 



COMPARISONS. 71 

Expectoration — 

slips back — 

Con. — After coughing a long time a little mucus is 
loosened, but it is more apt to be swallowed than ex- 
pectorated. 

Hep. s. — Frequently with the profuse collection of mucus 
they are unable to expectorate it. 

Kali carb. — The mucus is raised to the pharynx, sticks 
there and slips back before it can be expectorated. 

Ver. a. — Rattling of mucus that cannot be expectorated. 

Extremities — 

ankles, weak — Caust., Nat. carb. 

asleep, fall — (refer also to Numbness) — Aeon., Ambra gr., 
Carb. veg., Cham., China, Coccul., Graph., Kali carb., Nux 
v., Phos., Rhus t., Secale cor., Sil. 
calves, cramps in — Ambra gr., Anacard., Calc. carb., Camph., 
Caust., Cupr., Jatro., Podo., Secale cor., Sulph., Ver. a., 
Vib. op. 
cold — Ba. carb., Calc. carb., Calc. phos., Carb. an., Carb. veg., 
Coccul., Crot. h., Cupr., Fer., Gels., Graph., Menyan., Nat. 
carb., Nat. mur., Nux m., Oxal. ac, Pallad., Secale cor., 
Sep., Sulph., Ver. a., Zinc. 
feet — 

fidgets of — Tarent., Zinc, Zizia. 
sweat — (see Sweat, fetid of feet), 
fingers, cracked — Graph., Nat. mur., Petrol. 
gout — (see Gout). 

hamstrings, contraction of — Am. mur., Caust., Guaiac, Sulph. 
hands — 

eczema of — Canth., Clem., Graph., Mezer., Nat. mur., 

Petrol. 
rheumatism of — (see Rheumatism). 
writers' cramp — Gels., Pic. ac, Ruta. 
heels, soreness of — Am. mur., Ant. cr., Colch., Kali bi., Led., 

Phyto. 
knees — (see Knee). 
rheumatism — (see Rheumatism). 



72 COMPARISONS. 

Extremities- 
soles, soreness of — 

Ant. cr., Nat. carb. — Great soreness of the soles. 
Led. — Bruises of the soles, with great soreness, 
swollen — 

are — Vipera t. 
feel — Aran. 
trembling — (see Trembling). 
twitching — (see Twitching). 
varicose veins — (see Veins). 

Eye- 
kind of and with — 

asthenopia, muscular — 

Aeon. — In acute condition of over-strain of the eye 

muscles, with heat and inflammation, relieved by 

cold water. 
Agar. — From prolonged strain, with twitching of 

eyes and lids. 
Am. carb. — From prolonged use of the eyes, with 

appearance of yellow spots on looking at white 

objects. 
Apis — With swelling of the lids and sharp stinging 

pains on attempting to use the eyes. 
Calc. carb. — Easy fatigue of the eyes; in Calc. c. 

patients. 
Caust. — Weakness of the muscles of the eyeball, 

amounting even to paralysis, especially with feel- 
ing of sand in the eyes. 
Carb. veg. — From overwork, with black spots be- 
fore the eyes. 
Cedron — After working on black. 
Cinnab. — "Pain extending from inner canthus 

around eye" (Hering). 
Crocus — With sensation of a film of mucus over 

the eye and necessity to wink in order to remove 

it. 



COMPARISONS. 73 

Eye- 
kind of and with — 

asthenopia, muscular 

Gels. — When dependent upon muscular weakness, 
especially, perhaps, "of external recti" (Hering). 
Kali carb. — Muscular asthenopia after various dis- 
eases, especially if associated with puffiness of 
the upper lid, or between the brow and lid. 
Kalmia — With stiff, drawing sensation in muscles 

on moving eyes. 
Lack. — After diphtheria, with paralysis of accom- 
modation. 
Nat. mur. — Burning and smarting as from salt, with 
blurred vision after reading a little, or waking 
with headache due to having used the eyes the 
night before. 
Phos. — With dull pain deep in eyes after reading. 
Rhodo. — With darting pain through the eyes, worse 

before a storm. 
Ruta — From sewing or reading; the eyes feel hot 

like balls of fire. 
Senega — With flickering before the eyes, weakness 

of muscles and headache. 
Sep. — Associated with uterine complaints and ag- 
gravation in forenoon and afternoon. 
Spig. — With ciliary neuralgia and radiating pains. 
Sulph. — Easy fatigue when reading; burning in 
eyes. 
burning in ball and lid — Ars., Graph., Hydr., Merc. 

corr., Nat. mur., Sulph. 
canthus — 

inner — Zinc. 
outer — Graph. 
cataract — Ba. carb., Caust., Con., Lye, Phos., Sep., Sil., 

Sulph. 
conjunctivitis from cold — Aeon., Euphr., Merc, v., Puis., 
Rhus t. 



74 COMPARISONS. 

Eye- 
kind of and with — 

conjunctivitis from foreign body — 

Aeon. — For the acute symptoms. 
Sil. — With tendency towards 

suppuration. 
Sulph. — In later conditions if 
Aeon, has not helped, 
dryness of ball and lid — Alumina, Caust., Graph., 

Lye., Mezer., Petrol., Staph., Sulph., Thuja. 
exophthalmic goitre — (see Goitre, exophthalmic), 
hemiopia — 

Aurum — Where objects above the median line are 
invisible and the patient can see objects only 
in the lower field of vision. 
Lith. earb. — In retinal anaemia, entire vanishing of 
the r. half of whatever she looks at, or if two short 
words occur in succession, that on the right is in- 
visible. 
Lye. — Sees only the 1. half of an object, especially 
with the r. eye. 
inflammation from a bright light — Mere. v. 
congestion from a bright light — Glon. 
inflammation, external — 

Apis — With swelling of the lids, profuse and non- 
excoriating discharge, and burning, stinging pains. 
Ars. — Extremely painful burning pains, hot and 
excoriating lachrymation, swelling of the lids and 
great photophobia. 
Rhus t. — With increased photophobia and gush of 
tears on opening the lids, 
iritis — 

rheumatic — Bry., Clem., Colch., Kalmia, Rhus t., 

Spig., Tereb. 
syphilitic — Asaf., Aurum, Clem., Iod., Kali hi., 
Merc, pr., Nit. ac., Sulph., Thuja. 
haemorrhage, intraocular — Am., Calend., Hamam., Led. 



COMPARISONS. 75 

Eye- 
kind of and with — 
neuralgia — 
ciliary — 

Ars. — Fine, burning pains and relief from heat. 

Bell. — With heat and throbbing pains. 

Cedron — Pains recurring at 9 a. m. 

Cim. — The eyeballs feel enlarged and the pain 
shoots into the head. 

Cinnab. — Pains in the bones of the orbit, over 
or encircling the eye. 

China — Worse slightest touch. 

Comoclad. — Especially if the eye feels large and 
protruding. 

Crocus — With feeling as if a cold wind were 
blowing against the eye. 

Crot. h. — Especially felt at the menstrual period. 

Crot. t. — With feeling as if a string were pulling 
the eyeballs back into the head. 

Ign. — With nictitation, in hysterical women. 

Mezer. — After operations, especially after re- 
moval of the eyeball. 

Prunus spin. — Pain in r. eyeball as if eye would 
burst, shooting like lightning through the 
brain to the occiput. 

Ran. bulb. — With herpes of the forehead. 

Rhodo. — Pains worse before a storm. 

Sil. — Aggravation from "any draft of air or 
just before a storm" (Hering). 

Spig. — L. -sided, pains radiate in every direc- 
tion. 

Tereb.j Cedron, Prunus spin. — R.-sided. 

Thuja — Pains extend over the face and head, 
with great soreness, so that he cannot lie 
on the face nor chew. 



76 COMPARISONS. 

Eye- 
kind of and with — 
neuralgia — 

supraorbital — 

r.-sided — Bell., Cedron, Chel., Coccinella, Curare, 
Iris v., Kalmia, Mag. phos., Mezer., Nat. mur., 
Puis., Sang., Sep. 
1. -sided — Coloc., Nux m., Selen., Spig. 
boring pain — Arg. nit., Asaf., Coloc., Ign., 
Merc, pr., Mezer., Stram. 
night-blindness — China, Lye, Phos., Ver. a. 
photophobia — 
great — Con. 
little — Gels., Kali bi. 
in morning — Lack., Nux v. 
gush of tears on opening the eye — 

Aurum — "With great sensitiveness of the eye 

to touch" (Hering). 
Con. — Where we wonder what causes the great 
photophobia as there is but little redness 
or other evidence of inflammation. 
Ipec. — In inflammatory and neuralgic condi- 
tions, associated with great photophobia. 
Nux v. — Where the hyperesthesia is worse in 
the morning and wears off during the day. 
Rhus t. — With great swelling of the lids and 
aggravation of the pains at night, 
pupils dilated — Bell., Cicuta, Hyosc, Stram., Ver. vir, 
pustular conjunctivitis — Arg. nit., Clem., Con., Crot. h. } 
Graph., Hep. s., Ipec, Kali bi., Merc, corr., Merc, nit., 
Nat. mur., Psor., Puis., Rhus t., Sulph. 
scrofulous inflammations — Apis, Ars., Ars. iod., Aurum, 
Calc, carb., Con., Hep. s., Hydr., Ipec, Kali bi., Merc, 
bin., Merc corr., Merc dulc, Merc, nit., Merc v., 
Nat. phos., Psor., Rhus t., Staph., Sulph., Viola t. 
retinitis — 

albuminurica — Apis, Ars., Crot. h., Gels., Kalmia, 
Merc corr., Phos. 



COMPARISONS. 77 

Eye- 
kind of and with — 
retinitis — 

hemorrhagica — Apis, Am., Ars., Bell., Crot. h., 
Gels., Kalmia, Lack., Merc, corr., Phos., Puis. 
sensation — 

of cold wind blowing against eye — Crocus, Fluor. 

ac, Mezer. 
enlarged, eyeball feels — Cim., Comoclad., Guaiac, 

Prunus spin. 
as if pulled back by a string — 

Crot. t. — Ciliary neuralgia with the sensation 
as if a string were pulling the eyeballs back 
into the head. 
Hep. s. — Pain in head, with feeling as if the 
eyes would be pulled backward into the head. 
Paris quad. — Neuralgic headaches, with feel- 
ing as if a thread were fastened to the eye- 
ball and drawing it backward into the middle 
of the brain. 
Zinc. — Sensation as if the eyes were drawn to- 
gether by a cord, 
of sand in — Caust., Nat. mur., Sil., Sulph., Zinc. 
ulcers on cornea — Arg. nit, Aurum, Calc. carb., Cinnab., 
Con., Crot, t., Cundur., Graph., Hep. s.,Ipec, 
Kali hi., Merc, bin., Merc, corr., Merc, dulc, 
Merc, nit., Merc, pr., Merc, v., Nat. mur., Nit. 
ac, Puis., Rhus t., Sil., Sulph. 
with eruption on face — Crot. t., Cundur. 
vision — 

black spots before — Carb. veg., China, Chloralum, 
Cyclam., Lach., Lye, Phos., Physos., Sil., Sulph. 
double — 

Aurum, Nit. ac. — Have double vision according 

to the pathogenetic symptoms. 
Caust. — Double vision on turning the eyes to 
the right. 



78 COMPARISONS. 

Eye- 
kind of and with — 
vision — 

double — 

Gels. — Double vision on inclining the head to 

either side, there being single vision when 

holding the head erect; also double vision 

that can be controlled by an effort of the will. 

Hyosc. — Illusions of vision, where be sees two 

objects instead of one. 
Senega — Double vision, better only by bend- 
ing the head backward. 
Stram. — " Letters or objects appear double" 

(Dunham). • 
Ver. vir. — Double vision associated with con- 
gestive headache, 
fog or mucus, as through — 

Alumina— Dimness of vision as if looking 
through a fog, or as if hairs or feathers were 
before the eyes and he must wipe them con- 
stantly. 
Crocus — Asthenopia with a feeling as if a veil 
were between the eyes and the light, or as 
if mucus were over them, and he is obliged 
to wipe the eyes in order to remove it. 
Euphr. — The cornea feels as if covered with 
mucus, it obscures the vision and obliges 
him to press the lids together, 
mist before eyes — Caust., Phos. 
large, objects seem too — Hyosc., Nux m. 
light, flashes of, before eyes — Bell., Chloralum, Cyc- 
lam., Digit., Lack., Phos., Physos., Santon., Sil. 

Eyelids — 

dry crusts on — Graph., Petrol., Sulph. 

ptosis — Alumina, Caust., Gels., Kalmia, Rhus t., Senega, Sep., 

Spig. 
styes — (see Styes). 



COMPARISONS. 79 

Eyelids — 

swelling of — Apis, Arg. met., Ars., Kreos., Rhus t. 
trachoma — Aurum, Kali hi. 
tumors of — Graph., Puis., Staph, 
twitching of — 

Agar. — For " spasms of the eyelids this is generally the 

best remedy" (Farrington). 
Codein — " Involuntary twitching of eyelids, sometimes 

better by rubbing" (Hering). 
Crocus — Spasmodic affections of the eyelids, as if he 

had to wink all the time. 
Euphr. — Winking as if to remove mucus. 
Ign. — Nictitation in nervous, hysterical people. 
Mezer. — Worse on the 1. side. 

Raphan. — Twitching of the eyelids, almost preventing 
vision. 

Face — 

cobwebs on, sensation of — Alumina, Ba. acet., Borax, Graph. 
eruption on — 

worse before menses — Graph., Mag. mur., Mang. 
and during menses — Sep. 
from delayed menses — Crot. h. 
flushes, hot — (see Climacteric, hot flushes), 
neuralgia — 

better bending forward — Ign., Menyan., Sang. 
worse cold air — Ars., Coccul., Dulc, Mag. carb., Mag. mur., 
Mag. phos., Ran. bulb., Verbas. 
change of weather — Caust., Dulc, Rhodo. 
after herpes — Kalmia, Mezer., Ran. bulb. 
periodical in morning — Am. pic, Cedron, Cim., 

Nat. mur., Nux v. 
pressure — China, Cina, Cupr., Kali chlor., Kali 

mur., Mag. carb., Mezer., Verbas. 
as between screws or pincers — 

Bismuth — As if the parts were torn by pin- 
cers, better from cold, worse from eating. 
Cina — Neuralgia of the malar-bone as if 
pinched with pincers, worse from pressure. 



80 COMPARISONS 

Face — 

neuralgia — 

worse, as between screws or pincers — 

Plat. — As if zygoma and mastoid were tight- 
ly squeezed, or a steady compression in the 
malar-bones as if they were between screws. 
Verbas. — As if the malar bone were being 
crushed by tongs, worse pressure and change 
of temperature, 
of malar-bone — Chel., Cina, Coloc, Kalmia, Mag. carb., 

Mag. phos., Mezer., Plat., Thuja, Verbas. 
r. -sided — Bell., Caust., Cedron, Coccinella, Curare, Kal- 
mia, Mag. phos., Mezer., Puis., Sang., Sep., Sulph. 
headache, pain extends to face — Am. pic, Arg. nit, 
Bismuth, Mezer., Plat., Sang., Thuja, Verbas. 
sweat — (see Sweat, cold, on face). 

Fainting — 

easy, with suppression of menses — 

Mosch. — With hysterical spasms, choking in throat 

and fainting. 
Nux m. — With cold dry skin, never perspires, and 

sensitiveness to cold, moist air. 

False labor pains — Caul, Cim., Ign., Puis., Vib. op. 
Family, aversion to — Con., Crot. h., Sep. 

Fat- 
food, worse from — (see Aggravation, food, fat), 
people, remedies for — Calc. carb., Kali bi. 
tendency to get — 

Calc. carb. — Around the waist; especially in children. 

Graph. — Particularly in older people, 
fatty degeneration, general — Ars., Phos. 

Fear — (refer to Delirium). 

effects of — Glon., Opium, Sil. 
of being alone — Arg. nit., Ars., Clem., Voter. 
the dark — Stram., Valer. 



COMPARISONS. 81 

Fear— 

of the dark — 

night terrors of children — Bell., Kali brom., Stram., 
Valer. 
death — Aeon., Ars., Plat. 
aphonia from — Hyosc, Ign., Nux m., Opium. 
chorea from — Cupr., Ign., Lauroc, Stram., Viscum. 
convulsions from — Aeon., Hyosc., Ign., Opium, Stram., Zinc. 
delirium from — (see Delirium, from fright), 
diarrhoea from — (see Diarrhoea, worse, fright), 
epilepsy from — Arg. nit., Calc. carb., Hyosc., Ign. 
menses suppressed from — Aeon., Opium. 
of becoming insane — (see Insane). 
waking in — 

Bell., Borax, Cina, Hyosc, Tanacet. — Especially in chil- 
dren. 
Lack., Magnol. gr. — In older people. 

Felons — 

Dios. — "Will usually cure whitlow if taken as soon as the 
pricking in the finger is felt, and greatly relieve and hasten 
the termination if taken later" (Bell). 

Fluor, ac. — Especially of the thumb and fore-finger, terri- 
ble throbbing pain, "throbs like sin," with necessity to 
keep walking as the pain is so severe they cannot keep 
still; pain better from cold applications. 

Hep. s., Sil. — Sharp, sticking pains and extreme sensitive- 
ness to touch, with relief from heat. 

Feet — (see Extremities). 

Fingers — (see Extremities). 

Flatus- 
better passing — Calc. phos., Carb. veg., Coccul., Coloc 
excessive — Agar., Aloe, Arg. nit., Carb. veg., China, Coccul., 
Coloc, Dios., Ign., Lye, Lycopus, Nux m., Zinc. 
with dysmenorrhea — Coccul., Kali carb., Lye 

hysteria — Arg. nit., Asaf., Ign., Mag. mur., Nux 
m., Plat., Valer. 



82 COMPARISONS. 

Flatus- 
excessive — 

with pregnancy — Coccul., Nux m. 
smelling like H2S. — Am., Hep. s., Sulph. 

Fontanelles, open too long — Calc. carb., Cole, phos., Sil., Sulph. 

Formication — 

Aeon., Mezer., Phos., Secale cor., Zinc. — Formication of the 

extremities. 
Nux v. — Formication along the spine. 

Freckles — Mur. ac., Nit. ac. 

Frost-bites — Agar., Caust. 

Gall-stone colic — Bell., Berb., Calc. carb., China, Dios., Hydr., 
Lack., Lye, Nux v., Podo. 
with jaundice — Bell., Berb., Calc. carb., Chel., China, 
Hydr., Lach., Podo. 

Gangrene — 

of lungs — (see Chest, gangrene of lungs), 
mouth — Ars., Dulc, Kali chlor., Lach. 
throat — Caps., Lach. 
senile — 

Ars. — With the burning and relief from heat. 
Carb. veg., Lach. — Offensive discharges and bluish appear- 
ance of the skin. 
Kreos. — With horrible odor and terrible burning pains. 
Secale cor. — with coldness and insensibility of the part 
and aggravation from heat, 
gangrenous degeneration of carbuncles 1 — Car b. veg., Crot. h., 

Lach., Secale cor. 
ulcers — Am., Carb. veg., Crot. h., 
Euphor., Kreos., Lach., Sulph. 
ac. 
Gastralgia — (see under Stomach). 

Glands — 

induration of — Ba. carb., Ba. iod., Calc. carb., Calc. fluor. } 
Calc. phos., Carb. an., Cistus, Con., Hydr., Iod. 



COMPARISONS. 83 

Glands — 

mesenteric, diseases of — Ars. iod., Ba. carb., Calc. carb., Con., 

Iod. 
of neck swollen — Ars. iod., Ba. carb., Ba. iod., Ba. mur., 

Calc. carb., Calc. iod., Iod., Kali mur., Merc, bin., Psor. 

Gleet— 

Agnus cast. — With coldness of the genitals and total lack of 
desire for another dose. 

Arg. met. — With thick, starchy discharge. 

Cinnab. — With enlargement of the prostate. 

Cubeba — With inflamed prostate and perhaps swollen testicles. 

Erig. — With burning and offensive micturition, constant 
dribbling. 

Hep. s. — To clear up an old case. 

Hydr. — With thick, tenacious discharge. 

Kali bi. — Ropy discharge; sensation on urinating as if the 
last drop could not be discharged. 

Mezer. — With watery discharge, soreness and burning in ur- 
ethra, especially in anterior part. 

Nat. mur. — Especially after injections of silver nitrate, with 
soreness of the whole urethra and cutting and burning 
after micturition. 

Nat. sulph. — With aggravation of all symptoms during damp 
weather. 

Sep. — Slow micturition, constant desire, with painful bear- 
ing down. 

Sil. — With thick, fetid, purulent discharge. 

Sulph. — With burning and smarting during micturition; also 
as an intercurrent. 

Thuja — Thin, greenish discharge and burning in urethra. 

Globus hystericus — (see Hysteria, globus hystericus). 

Goitre — Ba. iod., Brom., Calc. carb., Calc. iod., Calc. fluor., Fluor, 
ac, Iod., Kali iod., Spong. 
exophthalmic — Amyl nit., Bell., Dubois., Fer., Lycopus, Nat. 
mur. 

7 



84 COMPARISONS. 

Gonorrhoea — 

with pain in prostate — Caps., Digit. 

rheumatism — Copaiva, Crot. t., Guaiac, Iod., Merc, v., Phyto., 

Puis., Sarsap., Thuja. 
suppressed, with orchitis — Clem., Copaiva, Puis., Spong. 

Gout— 

Aetata spic. — About the only use of this remedy is for sub- 
acute rheumatic gout of the small joints, associated with 
sour stomach. 

Am. — With great fear of being approached. 

Benz. ac. — With strong, offensive urine, smelling like that 
of horses. 

Colch. — Of great value, with soreness of the flesh and joints, 
extreme irritability of temper, intolerance of touch and 
the gastric symptoms of the remedy, especially the dis- 
tress from the odor of food cooking. 

Lith. carb. — With marked acidity of the stomach. 

don't touch me — Am., Colch. 

chronic, with nodosities — Am. phos., Benz. ac, Calc. carb., 
Caust., Lith. carb., Led., Lye, Rhodo., Sabina, Staph. 

in heel — Colch., Phyto. 

Gravel — (see Kidney, gravel). 
Growing pains — Guaiac, Phos. ac. 

Gums — 

bleed easily — Ars., Bov., Carb. veg., Caust., Hamam., Hep. s., 
Kali mur., Kreos., Lach., Lye, Merc, corr., 
Merc, v., Nat. mur., Nit. ac, Phos. ac, Phos., 
Staph. 
on brushing teeth — Carb. veg., Lye, Merc. v. 
on sucking them — Bov., Carb. veg. 
and retract — Carb. veg., Merc, v., Nit. ac, Staph. 
retracted — Carb. veg., Merc, v., Nit. ac, Staph., Thuja. 

Haemorrhage — 

ecchymoses — Arg. nit., Am., Crot. In,., Hamam., Lach., Led., 
Sulph. ac. 



COMPARISONS. 85 

Haemorrhage — 

in low types of fever — Am. carb., Am., Carb. veg., China, 
Crot. h., Hamam., Kreos., Lack., Mur. ac, Sulph. ac, Tereb. 
(refer to Typhoid, Yellow fever). 

hematuria — 

Am. — When associated with paralytic conditions or as 

the result of injuries. 
Camph., Nux v. — When due to irritating drugs. 
Canth., Colch., Fer. phos. — In acute inflammations. 
Carbol. ac, Crot. h., Lack. — In acute nephritis, with 

disorganized blood. 
Cocc. c, Hydrang., Lye, Thlaspi — From gravel. 
Hamam., Millef., Phos., Trill. — With a tendency towards 

easy haemorrhage. 
Ipec — With nausea and cutting pains in the kidneys. 
Merc, corr., Merc, v., Nit. ac, Petrol., Pic. ac, Plumb. — 

In older inflammations of the kidneys. 
Nux v. — When due to alcohol, drugs, suppression of the 

haemorrhoidal flow or of the menses. 
Secale cor. — With dark blood, internal heat and ex- 
ternal coldness, 
from gravel — Cocc. c, Hydrang., Lye, Thlaspi. 
haemoptysis — (see Chest, blood, haemoptysis), 
post-partum — (see Pregnancy, haemorrhage), 
purpura — (see Purpura haemorrhagica) . 
tooth, after pulling — Am., Phos. 
uterus, from — (see Menstruation, or Uterus). 

Haemorrhoids — 

bleeding — 

Aeon. — Heat and sharp stitches, with bright red blood. 

Bell. — With forcing downwards and great sensitiveness. 

Collin. — Haemorrhoids bleeding almost incessantly, es- 
pecially with sensation of sharp sticks in rectum; 
general aggravation late at night; constipation. 

Fer. — With itching and gnawing. 

Fer. phos. — Inflamed and bleeding haemorrhoids. 



86 COMPARISONS. 

Haemorrhoids — 

bleeding — 

Hamam. — Hemorrhoidal flow painless, dark and thick. 
Lilienthal gives as characteristic, "prostration follows 
the haemorrhage out of proportion to the loss of blood." 

Ign. — With soreness and sharp shooting pains ; less pain- 
ful when walking. 

Kali carb. — Constipation and bleeding piles, with sharp 
cutting pains. 

Lye. — Frequent bleeding, even when the patient is not 
constipated. 

Millef. — Painless bleeding piles. 

Nit. ac. — Haemorrhoids that have ceased to bleed, but 
are very painful and pendulous, with sharp prick- 
ing pains in rectum. 

Phos. — With a small stream of blood after every stool. 

Puis. — Haemorrhoids that usually bleed easily, especi- 
ally after the stools ; frequently associated with gastric 
derangements. 

Sabina — With pain extending from sacrum through to 
pubes. 

Sep. — With throbbing at stool; distress when walking, 
non-bleeding — 

Mscul. — Blind or protruding haemorrhoids, that are 
very sore, associated with burning and itching, and 
a sensation as if sticks, splinters, gravel or a chestnut- 
bur were in the rectum. 

Aloe — With its diarrhoea, or with constipation, and a 
sensation of a plug in the pelvis. 

Apis — With sharp stinging pains, the anus becoming 
very sore, and with relief from cold water. 

Ars. — With burning like fire, better from heat. 

Ba. carb. — Constipation, hard knotty stools, burning 
and soreness of anus. 

Caps. — With excessive burning as from pepper, throb- 
bing and soreness, and drawing pain in back. 

Caust. — Intolerably painful haemorrhoids, worse when 
walking. 



COMPARISONS. 87 

Haemorrhoids — 

non-bleeding — 

Dios. — Hemorrhoids that look like bunches of grapes, 
with darting pain extending to the liver. 

Euonym. — Constipation and haemorrhoids, biliousness 
and pain in small of back. 

Hydr. — Associated with constipation, weak feeling in 
the stomach, sour eructations and headache. 

Lack. — Haemorrhoids that are painful and strangulated, 
with sticking or feeling as of a plug in anus, or throb- 
bing and beating as from hammers. 

Lye. — Haemorrhoids which become very painful when 
sitting, with distention of the abdomen and consti- 
pation. 

Mag. mur. — Haemorrhoids with constipation; stools like 
sheep-dung. 

Mur. ac. — Very painful haemorrhoids, worse cold water, 
better warmth, with prolapsus of the rectum; especially 
useful for haemorrhoids during pregnancy, bluish-red, 
hot and very sore ; haemorrhoids in children, extremely 
sensitive. 

Nat. mur. — Painful, stinging, smarting haemorrhoids, 
with constipation. 

Nit. ac. — Haemorrhoids that have ceased to bleed, but 
are very painful and pendulous. 

Nux v. — Painful blind haemorrhoids, or haemorrhoids 
with itching and frequent urging to stool. 

Pmonia — Haemorrhoids with ulceration; the anus and 
surrounding parts are purple and covered with crusts, 
ulcers within the anus exquisitely painful, the whole 
mucous membrane studded with ulcers and cracks. 

Petrol. — Haemorrhoids and fissures, with great itching. 

Podo. — Haemorrhoids with prolapsus ani following con- 
finement. 

Patau. — With extreme burning like fire, only temporar- 
ily relieved by cold water. 

Rhus t. — Blind haemorrhoids protruding after every 
stool, with backache and pressure outward in rectum. 



88 COMPARISONS. 

Hemorrhoid s — 

non-bleeding — 

Sil. — Intensely painful haemorrhoids, with spasm of the 

sphincter. 

Sulph. — Engorgment of the liver, with constipation and 

haemorrhoids, with great itching and burning. 

and constipation — Ba. carb., Collin., Euonym., Hydr., Ign., 

Kali carb., Lye, Mag. mur., Nat. mur., Nux v., Sil., Sulph. 

during or after confinement — (see Pregnancy, haemorrhoids). 

Hair- 
cut, aggravation from — (see Aggravation, air), 
dark-haired people — Bry., Iod., Lach., Nit. ac, Nux v., Sep. 
light-haired people — Brom., Calc. carb., Kali bi., Puis., Spong., 

Sulph. 
eczema to margin of — 
Hydr. — To forehead. 
Clem., Nat. mur. — To nape of neck, 
falling of — 

in circumscribed areas — Ba. carb., Calc. phos., Phos. 
after fevers — Phos., Selen., Sulph. 

pregnancy — Carb. veg., Lye, Nat. mur., Sep. 
grayness of, premature — Graph., Lye, Phos. ac. 
matting of — Borax, Graph., Mezer., Nat. mur., Psor., Vinca, 
Viola t. 

Hamstrings — 

contraction of — Am. mur., Caust., Guaiac, Sulph. 

Hands — (see Extremities). 

Hay-fever — 

Ars. — Discharge thin, burning, acrid, excoriating the upper 
lip; irritation to sneeze increased by sneezing. 

Ars. iod. — As in Ars., only a more pronounced condition. I 
prefer it to the former and in the 6th potency. 

Aral. r. — With frequent sneezing, asthmatic attacks and 
whistling respiration, must sit up in order to breathe. 



COMPARISONS. 89 

Hay-fever — 

Arum tri. — Violent coryza, fluent excoriating discharge, 
which forms crusts on the wings of the nose, with constant 
desire to pick the nose, along with terrific pain over the 
root of the nose. 

Badiaga — Sneezing and watery discharge, with asthmatic 
breathing and paroxysms of suffocative cough; during the 
cough the mucus flies out of the mouth and nostrils. 

Camph. — Acts as a palliative. 

Euphr. — With itching and smarting of the nose. 

Gels. — With general aching and congested headache, and 
feeling as if the head were constricted by a band around 
forehead. 

Kali iod. — With a stream of acrid water from the nose, or 
fulness and distress in frontal sinuses. 

Naja — With asthmatic complications, after the stage of 
coryza and sneezing has mostly subsided, especially with 
a feeling of dryness in the larynx and suffocation on lying 
down, he has to be held erect in order to breathe ; the suffo- 
cative spells occur after sleeping. 

Naphthal. — A valuable remedy which has, seemingly, arrest- 
ed a number of inveterate cases, with sneezing, eyes in- 
flamed and painful, head hot, along with asthma and great 
difficulty in breathing. 

Nat. mur. — With fluent or stopped discharge from the nose, 
lachrymation, hydroa on lips. 

Nux v. — With intense itching in Eustachian tube. 

Ran. bulb. — Smarting and burning in eyes and nose, and es- 
pecially a tingling and crawling in the nostril, which the 
patient tries to get rid of by hawking and blowing the nose. 

Sabad. — With itching, burning, stinging and complete ob- 
struction of the nose to air; watery discharge from nose 
and eyes. 

Sang. nit. — Sneezing and burning; irritation in nose, with 
sensation as if he had inhaled horse-radish, causing a gush 
of tears from the eyes. 



90 COMPARISONS. 

Hay-fever — 

Sinap. nig. — The nose is hot and dry, no discharge, nostrils 
apt to be alternately affected, or there is great swelling 
of the nose, thin, acrid discharge, dyspnoea and oppression 
of the chest worse at night and when lying. 

Sticta — Incessant sneezing and tingling, with fulness in fore- 
head and root of nose. 

with tickling in nose — Ran. bulb. 
throat — Nux v. 

Head— 

ansemia, cerebral, with vertigo — Calc. carb., Con., Kali brom., 

Zinc. 
blood, rush of, to, with headache — (see Headache, kind of, 
throbbing), 
flushes, hot — (see Climacteric, "hot flushes"). 
brain troubles with cholera infantum — Apis, Calc. phos., 

China, Ign., Opium, Sulph., Zinc. 
coldness of occiput — 

Calc. phos. — Crawling as of ice on upper part of the 

occiput, with heat of the rest of the head. 
Chel. — " Sensation of coldness in the occiput, ascend- 
ing from the nape of the neck" (Lippe). 
Phos. — Sensation of coldness in the cerebellum {Sil.) 
with brain-fag. 
cold water on, sensation of — 

Calc. phos. — Crawling as if from ice on upper part of 

occiput. 
Chel. — "Sensation of coldness in the occiput" (Lippe). 
Con. — Feeling of coldness in or of one side of the head. 
Cupr. — Violent continuous headache, usually with in- 
termittent pains and a feeling as if cold water were 
being poured over the head. 
Lauroc. — Neuralgic headache, with feeling of icy-cold- 
ness of vertex. 
Mosch. — Violent neuralgic headache, with feeling of 

coldness as from cold applications to the head. 
Phos., Sil. — Coldness in the cerebellum. 



COMPARISONS. 91 

Head- 
cold water on, sensation of — • 

Ver. a. — Neuralgic headaches characterized by a feeling 
of ice on the vertex, 
eczema to margin of hair — 
at forehead — Hydr. 

nape of neck — Clem., Nat. mur. 
with matting of hair — Borax, Graph., Mezer., Nat. mur., 
Psor., Vinca, Viola t. 
fontanelles open too long — Calc. carb., Calc. phos., Sil., Sulph. 
hot, on slight mental effort — Calc. carb., Gels. 
hydrocephalus — (see Hydrocephalus) . 
looseness of brain — 

Am. carb. — Vertigo, especially in the morning, with 

a feeling of looseness of the brain, as if it fell 

from side to side, whichever way the head was 

turned. 

Nux m. — Sensation as if the brain were loose, on 

moving the head or on walking, worse hot weather. 

Pallad. — With the headache, a sensation as if the 

head were swinging from behind forward and 

the brain were skaken. 

Rhus t. — Sensation on shaking the head as if the 

brain were loose. 
Spig. — Headache, and on suddenly turning the 

head the brain seemed loose, 
as if the brain surged in waves — China, Glon. 

rose and fell with every step — Bell. 
numb, brain feels — Bapt., Coccul., Con., Graph., Kali brom., 

Plat. 
sensitive — 

brain feels — Am., Con., Gels., I pec, Nux v., Phyto. 
scalp — Bell., China, Fer. phos., Gels., Hep. s., Merc, v., 
Mezer., Paris quad., Sil., Sulph., Thuja, Zinc. 
stupor, difficult to rouse — Apis, Am., Helleb., Opium. 
sweat — (see Sweat). 



92 COMPARISONS. 

Headache — 

better — 

open air — All. cep., Ars., Chloralum, Mosch., Myrica, 

Plat., Puis., Sabina, Sang., Sep., Tabac. 
cold applications — (refer to Headache, worse heat) — 

Aloe, Bismuth, Cyclam., Pic. ac, Puis., Tabac. 
eating — Anacard., Kali phos., Sabad., Sep. 
heat, warm wraps — Caps., Lack., Rhode-., Rhus t., Sit. 
hold, must, or bandage — 

Arg. nit., Bry., Hep. s., Mag. mur., Sil. — Especial re- 
lief from tight bandages. 
Apis — The headaches are almost universally re- 
lieved by external pressure. 
Asaf. — Supraorbital neuralgia, worse at night, bet- 
ter from pressure. 
China — Anaemic headaches, better from hard pres- 
sure but worse from slight touch. 
Cim. — Occipital headache, better bending head 
backward, with fingers interlocked in nape of 
neck. 
Coloc. — Neuralgic headaches, better from firm pres- 
sure. 
Menyan. — Violent neuralgic headaches, r-sided or 

on vertex, better from pressure. 
Nat. mur. — Headache in forehead or vertex, throb- 
bing, bursting, better from pressure. 
Nux v. — Frontal headache, with nausea and vomit- 
ing, and desire to press against the forehead. 
Puis. — Headache worse in the evening and from 

warmth, better from pressure. 
Rhus t. — Meningitis, with stiff neck, generally better 

by lying on something hard. 
Sang. — In facial neuralgia she holds the head tight- 
ly and leans over towards the floor to get relief. 
Ver. a., Cact. — Neuralgic headaches, better pres- 
sure on the vertex. 



COMPARISONS. 93 

Headache — 

better — 

hold, must, or bandage — 

Zinc. — Headaches extending from the forehead to 
the vertex and occiput, better from hard pres- 
sure on the sides of the head, 
tight bandages — Arg. nit., Bry., Hep. s., Mag. mur., 

Sil. 
pressure on vertex — Cad., Menyan., Nat. mur.,Ver. a. 
motion — Plat., Puis., Rhode-., Rhus t. 
nosebleed — China, Per., Melilot. 
stooping — Ign. 

bending head towards the floor — Menyan., Sang. 
urine, profuse discharge of — Asclep. corn., Gels., Ign., 
Sang. 
worse — 

air, cold — Ars., Coccul., Dulc, Mag. carb., Mag. mur., 

Mag. phos., Ran. bulb., Rhodo., Rhus t., Sil., Verbas. 

anaemia — Calc. carb., Calc. phos., China, Cyclam., Fer., 

Nat. mur. 
bathing — Ant. cr. 

earache after bathing — Sil. 
brain-fag, using mind — 

Anacard. — Throbbing headache, worse from any at- 
tempt to use the mind. 
Arg. nit. — Mental depression or irritability the re- 
sult of brain-fag, with general debility and tremb- 
ling of the whole body. 
Bapt. — The head feels very heavy, the patient is 
averse to any mental effort and lacks the power 
to think. 
Calc. carb. — From any slight mental effort the head 

gets very hot. 
Caps. — For those who have exhausted their vital- 
ity, especially by mental work. 
Con. — Mental weakness, inability to fix the mind 
on anything, and tired, weary sensation in brain 
and body on every attempt to concentrate his 
thoughts. 



94 COMPARISONS. 

Headache — 

worse — 

brain fag, using mind — 

Gels. — Listless and indolent, the attempt to think 
connectedly causes a painful feeling in the head, 
with dizziness, heat of face and cold feet. 

Kali brom. — With a numb sensation in the head 
and feeling as if he would lose his reason. 

Kali phos. — Brain-fag from overwork, with de- 
pressed spirits and general irritability. 

Lye. — "For overworked brains where brain trouble 
threatens" (Dunham). 

Nat. carb., Nat. mur. — With impaired memory and ir- 
ritability; unable to fix his attention on anything. 

Nux v. — Great aggravation from any mental effort, 
especially in those who have been in the habit 
of studying late at night and do not get the proper 
amount of sleep. 

Phos. ac. — Where, when the nervous system is ex- 
hausted from excessive fatigue, any attempt to 
use the mind brings on headache. 

Phos. — Often indicated in brain-fag, with the mental 
indolence, physical exhaustion and trembling, 
with sometimes a feeling of coldness in the cere- 
bellum. 

Pic. ac. — A most important remedy, with general 
fatigue, and having as a prominent symptom, 
the slightest mental effort brings on an occipital 
headache. 

Puis. — Headache worse towards evening, from 
warmth and from any mental effort. 

Selen. — Easy mental exhaustion, especially in the 
aged. 

Sil. — Bursting headache, worse mental exertion. 

Zinc. — With neuralgic headache, pain extending 
from the eye to the occiput, associated with 
blurred vision and vertigo. 



COMPARISONS. 95 

Headache — 

worse — 

brain fag, using mind — 

hot on slight mental effort — Calc. carb., Gels. 
of school children — Calc. carb., Calc. phos., Nat. 
carb., Nat. mur., Zinc. 
cold air — (see Headache, worse, air, cold), 
coryza — All. cep., Brom., Eupat. per]., Euphr., lod., 

Kali iod., Nux v., Ran. bulb., Sticta. 
coughing — Bry., Caps., Lye, Nat. mur., Nux v. 
eating — Bismuth, Coccul., Nux v., Puis. 
excitement or fatigue — Coff. cr., Epiph., Sep. 
external impressions — Bell., China, Coccul., Fer., Sil. 
heat — (refer Headache, better cold). — Gels., Mezer., 
Nat. carb., Puis., Sulph. 
warmth of room — All. cep., Apis, Ars., Mosch., 
Nat. carb., Puis., Ran. bulb. 
kidney disease, ursemic — Cann. Ind., Petrol. 
light — Bell, Cact., Fer., Sep., Sil. 

liver — Bry., Carduus mar., Chel., Crot. h., Euonym., Iris 
v., Mag. mur., Myrica, Nux v., Podo., Sep., Sulph. 
morning — 

after lying — Each., Rhus t. 

on first waking — Colch., Each., Nat. mur., Nux v., 

Rhus t. 
begins in, and lasts till evening — Glon., Nat. mur., 
Sang., Spig. 
menstrual— 

Aeon. — With suppressed menses from cold or fright. 
Amyl nit. — With suppressed menses. 
Bell. — With intense congestion and throbbing head- 
ache. 
Calc. phos. — Worse before menstruation. 
Cim., Coccul. — Headaches located especially in the 

occiput. 
Cyclam. — Headache better in the house, worse in 
the open air. 



96 



COMPARISONS. 



Headache — 

worse — 

menstrual — 

Fer. phos. — Violent headache during menstruation. 
Gels. — With blurred vision; nausea and vomiting 

relieving the headache. 
Glon. — Intense congestion of blood to the head, 

instead of the menses. 
Gossyp. — With delayed menses. 
Graph. — With suppressed menstruation. 
Nat. mur. — Headache beginning before and contin- 
uing throughout the menstrual period, disap- 
pearing with perspiration. 
Nux m. — With suppressed menses. 
Puis. — Preceding or during menstruation or due to 

suppression of menses. 
Sang. — With scanty or suppressed menses. 
Therid. — Severe headache, with pain in 1. ovary 

and extreme sensitiveness of the cervix. 
Ver. vir. — With suppressed menstruation in pleth- 
oric women. 
Xanth. — With suppressed menstruation from get- 
ting her feet wet. 
with dysmenorrhea — Crot. h., Fer. phos., Gels., 
Nat. mur., Therid., Ver. vir., Xanth. 
during climacteric — Amyl nit., Cim., Crocus, Gels., Lach. } 

Sang. 
motion — Am., Apis, Bell., Bry., Chloralum, Dulc, Fer., 
Glon., Mag. mur., Menyan., Phyto., Sang., Sep., 
Sil., Spig., Stan., Sulph. 
of eyes — Bry., Spig. 
noise — Bell., Cact., Fer., Sep., Sil., Spig., Stan., Therid. 
nervous exhaustion — Phos. ac, Sil. 
nasal catarrh — 

Alumina — In post-nasal catarrh, with pain in root 

of nose. 
Bry. — Headache in nasal catarrh, especially when 
the discharge is suppressed. 



COMPARISONS. 97 

Headache — 

worse — 

nasal catarrh — 

Cinnab. — Nasal catarrh, with pain about the root 

of the nose extending into the bones on each side. 

Cupr. — Violent headache over the frontal sinuses in 

nasal catarrh, " better when lying down"(Hering). 

Elaps — Stoppage and stuffiness high up in nostrils, 

with frontal headache. 
Hydr. — Stoppage of posterior nares, with headache. 
Ign. — Catarrh of frontal sinuses, swelling of r. 
middle turbinated, with pain in r. half of fore- 
head extending to temples. 
Kali bi.— Pressure at root of nose, or over frontal 
sinuses, with feeling that if he could blow the 
nose hard enough there would be relief. 
Kali iod. — Frontal headache, particularly over the 
eyes and root of nose, associated with catarrh 
at root of nose and in frontal sinuses; the pain 
violent, lancinating and pulsating. 
Mag. mur. — Nasal catarrh, with itching and burn- 
ing in nose, and frequent headache, better in 
open air. 
Merc. pr. — Catarrh of the frontal sinuses, with bor- 
ing, pressing pain over the eyes. 
Nat. ars. — Nasal catarrh, with supraorbital head- 
ache. 
Phyto. — Nasal catarrh, with pain at root of nose 

and stoppage of one nostril. 
Sticta — Nasal catarrh, with fulness at root of nose 
and headache, 
reflex — Cim., Helon., Lil. tig., Pallad., Sep. 
riding or reading in cars — Coccul., Kali carb. 
shock — Gels., Nat. mur. 
sleep — Coccul., Lack., Nux v. 

stomach — Ant. cr., Arg. nit., Bry., Chel., Coccul., Cyclam., 
Euonym., Fer. phos., Ipec, Iris v., Nux m., Nux v., 
Puis., Robin., Sang. 



98 COMPARISONS. 

Headache — 

worse — 

stooping or bending head forward — Bell., Bry., Cim. t 

Rhus t. 
from the sun — 

Bell. — Severe headache, with throbbing in carot- 
ids, head seems full of blood. 
Camph. — Throbbing in cerebellum associated with 

general coldness. 
Glon. — Intense congestion to head, with rush of 
blood to head and face and throbbing felt even 
to the tips of the fingers. 
Lack. — Effects of sunstroke in those who are in 
the habit of using alcoholic stimulants, with dark 
red face and cold limbs. 
Nat. carb.—Oi great value for the secondary ef- 
fects, with great debility. 
Selen. — Neuraglic headache over the 1. eye, worse 

from the sun. 
Therid. — Most intolerable headache from sunstroke, 
with nausea and vomiting; a feeling as if the ver- 
tex were separated from the rest of the head, or 
as if he would like to lift it off. 
Ver. vir. — Congestive headache, with throbbing, 
stupefaction, nausea and vomiting, 
syphilitic — Phyto., Sarsap., Thuja. 
wet weather — Aran., Calc. phos., Dulc, Phyto., Rhodo., 
Rhus t., Spig. 
cold wet weather — Dulc, Rhodo., Rhus t. 
4 wine — Rhodo., Selen., Zinc. 
kind of — 

anaemic — (see Headache, worse anaemia), 
blind — Bell., Cyclam., Gels., Nat. mur. 

(refer to Headache, with eye, blurring of vision), 
bursting — (see Headache, with bursting), 
from coughing — (see Headache, with bursting from 
coughing). 



.COMPARISONS. 99 

Headache — 

kind of — 

liver — (see Headache, worse liver), 
menstrual — (see Headache, worse menstrual), 
migraine, hemicrania— 

Am. pic. — With irregular menstruation, periodical 
neuralgia of r. side of occiput, extending to ear, 
orbit and jaw. 

Arg. nit. — Hemicrania, deep-seated, periodical head- 
ache, a boring pain, better from tight bandages; 
brought on by any depressing emotions. 

Brom. — Megrim of 1. side, worse stooping; brought 
on especially after drinking milk. 

Cact. — Periodical neuralgic headaches, especially 
of r. side and on vertex. 

Cann. hid. — With sensation as if the head were op- 
ening and shutting. 

Cyclam. — Periodical headache of one side, with de- 
bility; due to anaemia. 

Ewpat. perf. — Periodical headache, especially in the 
occiput, with great soreness of the eyeballs and 
scalp. 

Glon.— Attacks of violent hemicrania. 

Graph —Violent semi-lateral headaches during sup- 
pression of the menses. 

Iris v. — One-sided (r. Hale), neuralgic headaches, 
accompanied by nausea and vomiting; the pains 
usually begin over one eye and are nearly al- 
ways " preceded by" (Hughes) or associated with 
blurring of vision. 

Kali hi. — Periodic neuralgic headaches confined to 
a small spot. 

Nux v. — Coming on early in the morning. 

Cedron — Beginning at 9 a. m. 

Nat. mur. — Beginning at 10 a. m. 

Melilot.— Beginning at 4 p. m. 

Rhus t. — Better after a long and brisk walk. 



100 COMPARISONS. 

Headache — 

kind of — 

migraine, hemicrania — 

Sang. — R.-sided periodical headache, coming and 

going with the sun. 
Sep.—" Mostly in the left side" (Lippe). 
begins over one (r.) eye — Coccinella, Curare, Iris 
v., Onosmod., Sang. 
neuralgia — 

supraorbital, r. or 1. sided — (see Eye, neuralgia, 

supraorbital) . 
pain extends to face — Am. pic., Arg. nit., Bismuth, 
Mezer., Plat., Sang., Thuja, Verbas. 
at root of nose — Hep. s., Kali iod., Lach., Sar- 
sap. (refer Headache, worse, coryza, nasal 
catarrh), 
occipital — 

Bell. — With intense congestion at base of brain. 
Bry. — The pain begins or finally becomes seated 
in the occiput; headaches rarely neuralgic but 
generally sympathetic with gastric or with in- 
flammatory troubles. 
Cim. — The pain from the occiput shoots up to the 
vertex or down the spine, with stiffness of the 
neck aod relief from bending the head backward. 
Cina — Stupefying occipital headache, with vertigo. 
Coccul. — Sick headache, the pain seated especial- 
ly at the occiput and extending down the spine, 
with constant nausea and vertigo. 
Crot. h. — Occipital headache recurring several times 

a day. 
Eupat. per]. — Periodical occipital headache, with 

great soreness of the scalp and eyeballs. 
Gels. — The pain at the base of the brain extends 

through the head to the eyes; worse from heat. 
Lach. — Occipital headache from exposure to a draft; 
occiput sore to touch; headache comes on during 
the night, always worse on waking in the morning. 



COMPARISONS. 101 

Headache — 

kind of — 

occipital — 

Menyan. — Neuralgic headache beginning in r. side 
of nape of neck and extending over whole brain 
to forehead, better on stooping or from pressure. 

Onosmod. — Dull headache, worse in the occipital 
region, usually extending down nape of neck or 
over one side of the head, generally L; with the 
headache there is dizziness and sometimes nausea, 
and either preceding or following the headache pain 
in or over the corresponding eye, with stiff, strain- 
ed sensation in the eye, worse reading or near 
vision. 

Petrol. — Headaches located in the occiput, or be- 
gin there and extend to the vertex or forehead; 
associated with this we have stiffness of the muscles 
of the neck, a numbness or heaviness, pronounced 
vertigo, which seems to be located in the occiput, 
and nausea and vomiting. 

Pic. ac. — Occipital headache from brain-fag or 
mental effort. 

Podo. — Bilious headache preceded by blurring of 
vision, then gradually increasing pain, especially 
in the occiput. 

Rhus t. — Occipital headache, worse during wet 
weather and relieved by heat. 

Sang.— Headache beginning in the occiput and set- 
tling over the r. eye. 

Sarsap. — Neuralgic headaches of the r. side, start- 
ing from the occiput. 

Sep. — Neuralgic headaches, often extending to the 
eye and associated with uterine complaints. 

Sil. — Occipital headaches, better from warm wraps, 
with aggravation from cold, light or noise. 

Thuja — Neuralgic occipital headache, extreme sore- 
ness and screaming out with the pain, cannot 
sleep nor chew. 



102 COMPARISONS. 

Headache — 

kind of — 

occipital — 

Zinc. — Occipital headache, with a sensation of a 
heavy weight dragging the occiput downwards, 
and aggravation from alcoholic stimulants, 
of school children — (see Headache, worse, brain-fag), 
stomach — (see Headache, worse stomach), 
sun — (see Headache, worse, from the sun), 
syphilitic — Phyto., Sarsap., Thuja. 
throbbing — (refer to Headache, with bursting). 

Aeon. — With fever, and a pulsating, bursting pain. 

Amyl nit. — Similar to Glon. but its action is shorter; 
neuralgic headaches, with throbbing, great flush- 
ing of the face and dyspnoea. 

Bell. — Especially in inflammation, while Glon. is 
especially in congestion. 

Camph. — Throbbing in cerebellum and with general 
coldness. 

China — Pulsating, hammering, worse in the tem- 
ples, as if the skull would burst; external head 
extremely sensitive to the slightest touch. 

Crocus — Pulsating, sometimes in one side, some- 
times in the other, the pain involving the eye; 
noticed especially during the climacteric. 

Fer. — Violent throbbing beginning in one temple 
and involving the whole head; extreme sensi- 
tiveness to all external impressions. 

Fer. phos. — Violent throbbing headache, followed 
and better by nosebleed. 

Glon. — Rush of blood to the head and strong pul- 
sation there or throbbing with every beat of the 
heart; throbbing felt in the carotids, which are 
raised like whip-cords, and even to the tips of 
the fingers. 

Melilot. — Violent neuralgic headaches, worse 4 p. 
m., with violent congestion of the head, pulsa- 
tion, redness of the face and extreme nervousness ; 
headache relieved by nosebleed. 



COMPARISONS. 103 

Headache — 

kind of — 

throbbing — 

Nat. mur. — Sick headache, throbbing and bursting, 

disappearing with perspiration. 
Sulph. — Pulsating headache, worse stooping and 

moving. 
Ver. vir. — Congestive headache, with throbbing, 

stupefaction, nausea and vomiting, 
or surging as from arterial blood — Amyl nit., Bell., 
Calc. carb., Fer., Glon., Graph., Melilot., Phos., 
Polyporus, Sabina, Sang. 
congestive — Aeon., Amyl nit., Bell., Cact., Calc. 
carb., China, Fer., Fer. phos., Glon., Graph., 
Melilot, Nat. mur., Phos., Pic. ac, Polyporus, 
Sabina, Sang., Sulph., Ver. vir. 
ursemic — Cann. Ind., Petrol. 

uterine, reflex — Cim., Helon., Lit. tig., Pallad., Sep. 
vertex — 

pressure on— Cact., Calc. phos., Helon., Ipec, Meny- 
an., Nat. mur., Phelland., Phos. 
ac, Phos., Plat., Ran. bulb., Sulph., 
Ver. a., Zinc. 
better pressure — Cact., Menyan., Nat. 
mur., Ver. a. 
as if, would lift off — 

Cann. Ind. — Sensation as if the whole top of 

the head were " being lifted" (Hering). 
Cim. — Feeling as if the top of the head would 

fly off, or as if it were being lifted up. 
Helon. — Fulness and pressure outward at ver- 
tex. 
Therid. — Violent headaches, with nausea; a 
feeling as if the vertex were separated from 
the rest of the head, or as if she would like 
to lift it off. 



104 COMPARISONS. 

Headache — 

with — 

anaemia — (see Headache, worse anaemia), 
blood, rush of to — (see Headache, kind of, throbbing), 
bursting — Aeon., Bell., Bry., Caps., China, Fer., Glon., 
Hep. s., Hyper., Ipec., Lye., Mag. mur., Melilot., Meny- 
an., Nat. mur., Nux v., Ran. bulb., Sil., Usnea. 
(refer Headache, kind of, throbbing). 
from coughing — Bry., Caps., Lye., Nat. mur., Nux v. 
eye- 
blindness — Bell., Cyclam., Gels., Nat. mur. 
associated with blurring of vision — Arg. nit., Bell., 
Cyclam., Gels., Iris v., Kali bi., Nat. mur., 
Stram., Zinc. 

(Stram. — When the sight of one eye is blurred 
the pain is on the opposite side of the head), 
preceded by blurring of vision — Iris v., Podo., Stram. 
followed by blurring of vision — Sil. 
lachrymation — Cedron, Chel., Osmium. 
face — (see Headache, kind of, neuralgia), 
intermittent fever — 

Cedron — Where the attack always begins at some 

regular hour, usually 9 a. m. 
China — Paroxysms preceded by headache. 
Ign. — Preceding the chill there is frequently yawn- 
ing and often neuralgia of the head or extrem- 
ities. 
Nat. mur. — Chill about 10 a. m., or the neuralgia 

may take the place of the paroxysm. 
Nux v. — Supraorbital or facial neuralgia preced- 
ing the chill, 
liver — (see Headache, worse, liver), 
menstrual troubles — (see Headache, worse, menstrual), 
nasal catarrh — (see Headache, worse, nasal catarrh). 

coiyza — (see Headache, worse, coryza). 
nose, pain at root — Hep. s., Kali iod., Lach., Sarsap. 
neuralgia — (see Headache, kind of, neuralgia). 



COMPARISONS. 105 

Headache — 

with — 

sensation — ■ 

as if constricted by a band — 

Camph. — Where the predominating head symp- 
toms are throbbing, or congestion as if 

knotted up. 
Carb. veg. — With a feeling as if the hat pressed 

upon the head like a heavy weight, or as if 

the head were bound up with a cloth. 
Coccul. — Sensation as if the head were bound 

with a band or cloth. 
Gels. — Venous congestion, with fulness and 

heaviness of head, soreness of scalp and brain, 

and a feeling as if the head were constricted 

by a band. 
Helon. — In inflammation of the optic nerve, 

with feeling as if the head were bandaged. 
Iod. — Congestive headache, with sensation of 

a band around the head. 
Merc. v. — Headache worse at night, with a 

feeling as if the brain were constricted by a 

band, or as if the head were in a vise. 
Nit. ac. — Headache as if in the bones, feeling 

as if constricted by a band, worse at night. 
Plat. — Which has, with almost all forms of 

headache, the sensation of numbness or a 

contraction of the brain. 
Stan. — Headache as from a hoop pressing 

against the forehead, worse from motion ; 

gradual increase and decrease of the pain. 
Sulph. — Pain as from a cord around the head, 

or feeling of congestion or tightness. 
in a vise over vertex — 

Carbol. ac. — Tightness of head as if a rubber 

band stretched from one temple to another. 



106 COMPARISONS. 

Headache — 

with — 

sensation — 

as in a vise over vertex — 

Nit. ac. — Feeling as if the head were compressed 
in a vise extending from ear to ear over 
vertex. 
Pallad. — Headache across the top of the head, 
from one ear to the other, 
temples were between screws — Plat., Verbas. 
from a nail — Agar., Anacard., Am., Coff. cr., 

Hep. s., Ign., Thuja. 
from boring — Arg.nit., Asaf.,Aurum, Coloc, Ign., 

Merc, pr., Mezer., Stram. 
opening — 

Arg. nit. — Hemicrania, with a feeling as 
if the head were very large and as though 
the bones would separate. 
Cann. Ind. — Ursemic headache and mi- 
graine, with a feeling as if the top of the 
head were opening and shutting, or as 
if it were being lifted. 
Helon. — Pressure outward at the vertex. 
Spig. — Feeling as if the top of the head 

were opening. 
Therid. — Violent headache, with feeling 
as if the vertex were separated from the 
rest of the head, 
vertex would lift off — (see Headache, kind of, 

vertex), 
pressure outward — Am., Aurum. 

on vertex — (see Headache, 
kind of, vertex). 
brain surged in waves — China, Glon. 

rose and fell with every step — Bell. 
of lump on forehead— 

Coccul. — Vertigo, with dulness in fore- 
head as if a board were across forehead. 



COMPARISONS. 107 

Headache — 

with — 

sensation — 

as of lump on forehead — 

Staph. — Neuralgic headache, with sensa- 
tion of a lump or a ball in the middle 
of the forehead, or as if the forehead 
were being compressed, 
weight on occiput — 

Bell. — Sensation of a weight dragging 
the occiput downward, noticed especially 
when walking. 
Chel., Opium, Petrol. — The occiput feels 

as heavy as lead. 
Paris quad., Zinc. — Occipital headache, 

with feeling of weight there. 
Psor. — Chronic headache, with moderate 
appetite and a sensation in occiput as 
if a piece of wood were lying there, 
stomach symptoms — (see Headache, worse, stomach), 
throbbing— (see Headache, kind of, throbbing), 
uterine symptoms — (see Headache, worse, menstrual or 

reflex), 
ursemic — Cann. Ind., Petrol. 

Heart- 
better — 

deep breathing, oppression — Cann. Ind., Colch., Digit., 

Mosch. 
must sit up — Cact., Conval., Grind, rob., Grind, squar., 
Nat. mur., Spong. 
worse — 

intolerance of pressure about — Cact., Colch., Lach., Puis. 
kind of and with — 

alcohol users— Arg. nit., Stroph. 
angina pectoris 

Amyl nit. — Especially as a palliative. 



108 COMPARISONS. 

Heart- 
kind of and with — 
angina pectoris — 

Arg. nit. — Intense pain and anxiety; can hardly 
breathe. 

Am. — The result of excessive straining; the heart 
feels as if squeezed. 

Ars. — Paroxysms recurring after midnight; great 
anxiety and weakness. 

Cact. — Sensation of an iron band around heart; 
suffocation and cold sweat. 

Chin. ars. — Burning pains and great prostration, 
occurring in periodical paroxysms. 

Cim. — With numbness of the 1. arm, irregular 
trembling pulse, tremulous motions of the heart. 

Coca — Angina pectoris from climbing. Coca is use- 
ful in a variety of complaints arising from climb- 
ing mountains, such as weak heart, dyspnoea, 
fainting fits, etc. It "is said to prevent hsem- 
orrhages caused by high altitudes and rare air" 
(Hale). 

Glon. — With fluttering of the heart and violent beat- 
ing as if it would burst the chest open, labored 
breathing and pains radiating in all directions, 
even into the arms, with loss of power in the arms. 

Juglans cin. — With suffocative pain behind the 
sternum, especially worse walking, has to stand 
still. 

Kalmia — Pulse slow and creeping; wandering pains 
about the heart, extending down the 1. arm. 

Lack. — Intolerance of clothing; feeling as if the 
heart were growing up and smothering him. 

Magnol. gr. — Suffocation, fear of death and crampy 
pain running down the 1. arm. 

Mosch. — With extreme tightness of the chest and 
constant desire to take a long breath. 

Naja — A kind of angina pectoris, with acute pain 
and loss of breath. 



COMPARISONS. 109 

Heart- 
kind of and with — 
angina pectoris — 

Nux v. — Attacks after eating. 

Ox. ac. — With numbness of the limbs or whole body ; 

pains worse from the least emotion. 
Spig. — Of great value in pseudo or true angina 
pectoris, with pain from the heart running down 
the 1. arm, the pains worse from motion, from 
using the arms or raising them above the head. 
Tabac. — Pains radiate from the center of the ster- 
num, with cold extremities and sweat, pinched 
features, suffocation, 
asthma — Aeon, ferox, Aurum, Curare, Grind, rob., Phos., 

Prunus spin. 
coldness about — Camph., Kali bi., Nat. mur., Petrol. 
cold sweat, with — (see Heart, with sweat). 
dropsy of pericardium — Apis, Ars., Cact., Colch., Conval., 
Digit., Elater., Lye., Prunus spin., Psor., Sep., Sulph. 
dyspnoea — (see Breathing, kind of, cardiac dyspncea). 
fatty degeneration — Am., Aurum, Carb. veg., Kalmia, 

Phos., Phyto. 
fluttering or tremulousness, heart or pulse — 
Ant. t. — Rapid, weak and trembling pulse. 
Apoc. can. — Pulse feeble, slow and fluttering. 
Ars. — Weak and tremulous pulse, with palpitation 

on the slightest provocation. 
Cim. — Irregular trembling pulse, tremulous motions 

of the heart. 
Digit. — Feeble, irregular, intermittent, or fluttering 

pulse. 
Glon. — Violent beating of the heart and fluttering. 
Helleb. — Heart weak, pulse small and tremulous. 
Kalmia — Palpitation and fluttering of the heart on 

exertion. 
Lil. tig., Sep. — In women; tremulous feeling of the 
heart. 



110 COMPARISONS. 

Heart- 
kind of and with— 

fluttering or tremulousness, heart or pulse — 

Lay roc, Nat. mur. — Fluttering of the heart. 

Nux m. — Fluttering of the heart as from fright, 

with faintness. 
Rhus t. — Tremulous pulse. 
Spig. — Trembling of heart, 
intermittent heart or pulse — 

Camph. — In states of collapse. 

Digit. — Pulse slow, thready, intermittent. 

Lycopus — In heart disease, small, weak, irritable 

pulse, which intermits now and then. 
Merc. corr. — Small, intermittent pulse. 
Merc, cyan., Mur. ac, Naja, Nat. ars. — To be 
thought of in diphtheria, with intermittent pulse. 
Nat. mur. — Fluttering or intermittent beating of 

the heart. 
Nit. ac. — In scarlet and typhoid fevers. 
Phyto. — In old people, with great weakness and 

constipation. 
Secale cor. — Pulse rapid and small, contracted, often 
intermittent, 
hypertrophy — Amyl nit., Am., Aurum, Brom., CacL, 
Iod., Kalmia, Lack., Lycopus, Magnol. gr., Nat. mur., 
Plumb., Prunus spin., Rhus t., Ver. vir. 
oppression about — Amyl nit., Aurum, Bry., Cann. Ind., 
Colch., Digit., Fer., Gels., Lycopus, 
Mosch., Nat. ars., Spig. 
better deep breathing — Cann. Did., 
Colch., Digit., Mosch. 
pain from, to r. arm — Phyto. 

1. arm — Cim., Crot. h., Kalmia, Lack., 
Magnol. gr., Naja, Rhus t., Spig., Tabac. 
both arms — Glon. 
palpitation — 

better motion — Arg. nit., Mag. mur. 



COMPARISONS. Ill 

Heart- 
kind of and with — 
palpitation — 

worse or from — 

alcohol — Arg. nit., Stroph. 

slightest provocation — Ars., Coff. cr. 

cough — China, Lycopus, Nat. mur., Phos., Plat. 

eating — Arg. nit., Cact., Calc. carb., Lye, Nat. 
carb., Nux v., Puis. 

grief — Amyl nit., Gels. 

lying on 1. side — Cact., Nat. carb., Nat. mur., 
Phos., Puis. 

over-exertion — Am., Rhus t. 

sexual indulgence — Arg. nit., Phos. ac. 

sitting — Mag. mur., Spig. 

tea and tobacco — Agar., Ars., Spig., Stroph. 
easy — 

Anacard. — Easy palpitation in old people. 

Arg. nit., Stroph. — From alcoholic stimulants. 

Arg. nit., Phos. ac. — From sexual indulgence. 

Ars. — Palpitation upon the slightest provoca- 
tion {Coff. cr.), after stool, from motion or 
any exertion, worse after midnight. 

Ars. iod., Calc. carb., Per., Nat. mur., Plumb., 
Puis. — In anaemia. 

Carbol. ac, Ox. ac. — Palpitation worse at night. 

Cim., Glon., Lil. tig., Mag. mur., Naja, Physos., 
Sep. — In women. 

Coca — From incarcerated flatus. 

Digit. — Any slight exertion increases the rate. 

Nux v. — Palpitation on lying down after dinner, 
nervous — 

Amyl nit., Ars., Cact., Coff. cr., Gels., Lach., 
Lycopus, Mosch., Naja, Physos., Spig. — ■ 
From nervous irritation. 

Lil. tig. — -With uterine displacements. 

Phos. ac. — Especially when resulting from self 
abuse. 



112 COMPARISONS. 

Heart- 
kind of and with — 
palpitation — 
nervous — 

Sep. — When associated with menstruation, 
reflex — Aurum, Fer., Lil. tig., Mag. mur., Naja, 

Physos., Plat., Sep. 
violent — 

Agar. — Irregular, tumultuous palpitation, in- 
odorous flatus and scanty urine. 

Amyl nit. — Tumultuous action of the heart and 
violent pulsation in the carotids. 

Ars. — Tumultuous action of the heart on the 
least provocation, followed by general weak- 
ness. 

Cact. — Increased action, violent and irregular 
beats. 

Carbol. ac. — Violent beating at night. 

Coca — Violent palpitation from incarcerated 
flatus. 

Fer. — Especially in exophthalmic goitre and 
anaemia, with bloated face and headache. 

Glon. — As if the violent beating would burst the 
chest open. 

Lycopus — Irregular, tumultuous heart, which 
occasionally intermits. 

Mosch. — Extreme palpitation, with dyspnoea 
and deathly anxiety. 

Nat. carb. — Violent beating of the heart after 
eating, or with general dyspeptic symptoms. 

Nat. mur. — Aggravation in the morning, the 
pulsations are violent, shaking the body. 

Physos. — Spasmodic action of the heart, with 
feeling of pulsation through the whole body, 
especially in the chest, the beats of the heart 
distinctly perceptible in the chest and head. 

Rhus t. — Rheumatism of the heart, with vio- 
lent palpitation. 



COMPARISONS. 113 

Heart- 
kind of and with — 
palpitation — 
violent — 

Spig. — Irregular and tumultuous action of the 
heart, nervous; the beats audible and visible 
through the clothes, and with pain running 
down the 1. arm. 
paralysis after diphtheria — Kalmia, Naja. 
rheumatism — (see Rheumatism, kind of, heart). 

endocarditis or pericarditis — (see Rheumatism, 
kind of, heart), 
sensation — 

of rush of blood to — Glon., Lil. tig., Sulph. 

as if grasped — Amyl nit., Am., Cact., Iod., Lil. tig. 

too large — Lack., Sulph. 
of pulsation in stomach — Asaf., Crot. h., Hydr., Kali 

carb., Oleand., Sep., Spig. 
as if it would stop beating — 

Aurum — In hypertrophy of the heart, with 
tendency to fatty degeneration, feeling as if 
the heart would cease beating. 
Carbol. ac. — Faintness, the heart seeming to 

almost stop. 
Cicuta — Palpitation, sometimes the heart felt 

as if it stopped beating. 
Digit. — Weak and irregular pulse, feeling as if 
the heart stood still, or "would stop beating 
if he moved" (Farrington), with anxiety and 
oppression. 
Gels. — Feeling as if the heart would stop beating 

if she did not move about. 
Magnol. gr. — Sensation as if the heart had 

stopped beating. 
Tabac. — Sensation as if the heart were knotted 
up and stopped beating for a minute and then 
leaped violently. 



114 COMPARISONS. 

Heart- 
kind of and with — 
sensation — 

as if it turned over — 

Crot. h. — Palpitation, with sensation as if the 

heart tumbled about. 
Lack. — With violent beating and sensation as 

if the heart turned over. 
Tabac. — Sensation as if the heart stopped for a 
minute and then took a sudden leap; "then 
leaped like a dozen frogs." 
sweat, cold, with heart troubles — Cact., Carb. veg., Digit., 

Secale cor., Spig., Tabac, Ver. a. 
tea and tobacco smokers — Agar., Ars., Spig., Stroph. 
increases the systole — Digit., Stroph. 
death in systole — Digit. 

diastole — Kali salts, Ver. vir. 

Heat, Lack of Vital — Ars., Calc. phos., Caps., Carb. an., Hep. s., 
Iod., Kali carb., Nat. mur., Sil., Ver. a. 

Heartburn — Berb., Bry., Calc. phos., Carb. veg., China, Con., 
Graph., Kali carb., Lye, Mag. carb., Natrum salts, Nux v., 
Puis., Sep. 
waterbrash — China, Lye, Nat. carb., Nat. mur., Nux v., Puis., 
Sulph. 

Hectic Fever after suppuration — Carb. veg., Sil. 

Heel — (see Extremities). 

Hernia — 

incarcerated — Digit., Nux v., Opium, Plumb. 
strangulated — Lye, Plumb., Tabac. 
inguinal — Coccul., Nux v., Sulph. ac. 

Herpes zoster — 

Aeon. — Prevesicular stage, with fever and sharp neuralgic 
pains. 



COMPARISONS. 115 

Herpes zoster — 

Agar. — Especially for the neuralgic pains following, with 
burning, itching and redness as after a frost-bite. 

Ars. — In debilitated subjects; worse from cold applications, 
better from heat. 

Bell. — " Sudden attacks with unwonted redness and extreme 
sensitiveness to contact; pains worse from warm applica- 
tions; pre vesicular stage" (Dearborn). 

Canth. — With burning and itching, better from cold applica- 
tions, worse from warmth. 

Cistus — "Worse r. side" (Dearborn), with extreme sensitive- 
ness to cold. 

Dolichos — Of the 1. side ; itching worse from scratching. 

Dulc. — When caused by exposure to cold and wet weather. 

Graph. — L. -sided, with large vesicles and excessive burning, 
aggravated by warmth and " relieved by washing the parts" 
(Dearborn). 

Hep. s. — Following the course of the supraorbital nerve, with 
severe pain as if the eyes would be drawn back into the 
head. 

Hyper. — "Vesicles beginning with sore places and forming 
hard yellow crusts, attended with severe smarting, sticking 
and occasional sharp neuralgic pains; useful internally and 
locally (2x)" (Dearborn). 

Iris v. — R.-sided and associated with the gastric derange- 
ments of the remedy. 

Kali brom. — "In protracted cases .... after the neuralgic 
pains have ceased" (Dearborn). 

Kalmia — For the neuralgic pains following the eruption. 

Lack. — For the hemorrhagic type of herpes zoster. 

Menth. p. — Internally and locally for the itching and pains. 

Mezer. — For the eruption and neuralgia following, with in- 
tense itching, worse from scratching, associated with burn- 
ing ; all symptoms worse at night and from heat. 

Paris quad. — Of the 1. side. 

Petrol. — With burning, itching and rawness. 
9 



116 COMPARISONS. 

Herpes zoster — 

Ran. bulb. — Especially of the forehead and along the supra- 
orbital nerve, with intense ciliary pains, or along the inter- 
costal nerves, at first with sore, rheumatic, or neuralgic 
pains and later with severe burning, stinging itching, with 
aggravation at night and from changes in the temperature 
or weather to cold or damp; the vesicles are filled with 
transparent bluish serum and the 1. side is more apt to be 
affected. 

Rhus t. — With the characteristic vesicular eruption, and in- 
tense itching worse from local heat. 

Sil. — For the eruption and neuralgia, with relief from heat. 

Spig. — " Pre-eruptive stage, with radiating pains .... reliev- 
ed by rest, warmth and pressure" (Dearborn). 

Staph. — With shooting pains, extending down the thighs. 

Sulph. — With itching and burning, worse from heat and bath- 
ing, relieved by scratching. 

facial neuralgia after — Kalmia, Mezer., Ran. bulb. 

Hiccough — 

Acet. ac. — (Xot so spoken of in the Handbook.) Of value in 
a great many cases. 

Bry. — When it causes shocks in the brain. 

Cajuput. — Obstinate hiccough on the slightest provocation, 
talking, laughing, eating or any motion. 

Cicuta — Violent, loud hiccough, with spasms of the chest. 

Coccinella — Associated with burning in the stomach, or pain 
in the region of the kidneys. 

Cupr. — With abdominal colic. 

Gels. — In chronic cases, worse evening. 

Hyosc. — Frequent hiccough, especially in children. 

Ign. — From eating or drinking; from grief. 

Ign., Puis. — After smoking. 

Kali brom. — Persistent hiccough. 

Lye. — Worse after every meal and associated with flatulent 
distention. 

Mag. phos. — Obstinate hiccough, ''causing long lasting sore- 
ness" (Schiissler). 



COMPARISONS. 117 

Hiccough — 

Ran. bulb. — In alcoholism. 
Secale cor. — In states of collapse. 

Highmore, antrum of, diseases — Am., Aurum, Hep. s., Kali 
iod., Merc, v., Mezer., Puis., Sil. 

Hip-joint disease — Calc. carb., Calc. phos., China, Hep. s., Kali 
carb., Phos. ac, Sil. 

Hives — (see Urticaria). 

Hoarseness and aphonia — 

better talking — Caust. 

worse talking — All. cep., Am. caust., Phos. 

from fright — Hyosc, Ign., Nux m., Opium. 

reflex — Plat., Puis. 

of speakers — 

Arg. met. — Loss of voice, or almost aphonia, after singing 
or talking, with expectoration looking like boiled 
starch. 

Arum tri. — There is not only great hoarseness, the result 
of talking, but it is especially useful "when the voice 
suddenly gives out or breaks during use" (Farrington). 

Caps. — " Hoarseness from straining the voice, in singers, 
preachers, etc." (Hering). 

Caust. — Loss of voice in singers and speakers, with fre- 
quent need to clear the throat. 

Coca — Weakness of the vocal cords, with hoarse voice, 
worse after talking. 

Graph. — Chronic hoarseness in persons subject to her- 
petic eruptions, especially if the eruption has been 
suppressed, and the voice breaks on attempting to sing. 

Osmium — Hoarseness, with pain in larynx, the hoarse- 
ness worse from singing and on entering the house from 
the outside air. 

Selen. — Very valuable for the hoarseness of singers, es- 
pecially when it is frequently necessary to clear the 
throat of clear, starchv mucus. 



118 COMPARISONS. 

Hoarseness and aphonia — 

of speakers — 

Senega — Sudden hoarseness when talking or reading 
aloud, with unsteadiness of the voice due to a partial 
paralysis of the vocal cords. 

Spong. — Chronic hoarseness, especially if the voice gives 
out in talking or singing. 

Wyethia — Tendency to get hoarse from talking or sing- 
ing, the throat being hot and dry. 
sore throat of speakers — 

Alumina — Inflammation of the mucous membrane and 
great dryness, frequently with a sharp splintery feel- 
ing on swallowing; associated with this there is relaxa- 
tion of the uvula which causes a persistent tick- 
ling cough, with constant inclination to clear the 
throat. 

Am. brom. — Chronic laryngeal catarrh of speakers, with 
expectoration of white sticky mucus, or with spas- 
modic cough, which becomes almost continuous es- 
pecially at night, with tickling and burning in the 
throat. 

Arg. met. — Chronic laryngitis of singers and speakers, 
with expectoration looking like boiled starch; rawness 
and soreness in larynx when speaking. 

Arg. nit. — With dark redness, much thick mucus, dry- 
ness and a sensation of a splinter in throat on swallow- 
ing. 

Arum tri. — Laryngitis with pain and great hoarseness 
the result of talking, with hawking and clearing the 
throat. 

Caust. — Dryness of throat, frequently spoken of as sore, 
in singers, relieved by clearing and using the voice. 

Mang. — Cough from reading aloud, with dryness and 
rawness in larynx. 

Senega — Loss of voice in singers, with severe burning 
and hawking of tenacious mucus. 



COMPARISONS. 119 

Homesickness — 

Caps. — With a continuous performance consisting of crying 
and chilliness. 

Carb. an. — Spoken of prominently by Hahnemann. 

Clem. — With fear of being alone, yet disinclination for com- 
pany. 

Ign. — Misses her family. 

Phos. ac. — Misses his or her " steady company." 

Hunger, ravenous — Bry., Calc. carb., China, Cina, Fer., Iod., 
Nat. mur., Oleand., Psor., Secale cor., Staph., Sulph. 

Hydrocele — Apis, Ars., Aurum, Calc. carb., Digit., Graph., Hydr., 
Iod., Puis., Rhodo., Sulph. 
in children — Ars., Aurum, Calc. carb. 

Hydrocephalus — Apis, Apoc. cann., Calc. carb., Calc. phos., 
Digit., Helleb., Iod., Lye, Sulph., Zinc. 
tubercular — Apis, Iod., Lye, Sulph., Zinc. 
preventive — Calc. phos., Sulph. 
urine suppressed in — Helleb., Sulph. 

Hydrophobia — Bell., Canth., Hyosc, Stram. 

Hydro thorax — (see Chest, dropsy of pleura). 

Hyperesthesia — (see under Sensitiveness). 

Hysteria — 

globus — 

Asaf., Ign. — Better from swallowing. 

Con. — Spasmodic constriction of the stomach and 
oesophagus, as if a round body ascended from the 
stomach. 

Gels. — "Lump in the throat which cannot be swallowed" 
(Hering). 

Lye, Mag. mur., Nux m., Sep. — With flatulent disten- 
tion. 

Mosch. — With feeling of suffocation. 

Plat. — Resulting from any nervous excitement. 

Voter. — With sensation of something warm arising from 
the stomach into the throat. 



120 COMPARISONS. 

Hysteria — 

globus — 

Zinc. — Very restless, fidgety. 

Zinc, voter. — (not in the Handbook) A very useful 
combination, 
menstrual — Caul., Cim., Coccul., Mag. mur. 

with supression of menses— Cim., Mosch., Nux m. 
with dyspnoea — Coccul., Mosch. 

eructations — (see Abdomen, tympanitis, hysterical), 
flatulence — Arg. nit., Asaf., Ign., Lye, Mag. mur., Nux m., 

Plat., Sep., Voter. 
paralysis — Ars., Ign. 
hystero-epilepsy — Asaf., Bufo, Cim., Gels., Lit. tig., Tarent., 
Ver. vir. 

Impotency — (see Sexual Organs, male, impotency). 

Inflammation — 

plastic infiltration — Bry., Iod., Kali mur. 
serous infiltration — Apis, Gels., Helleb. 

Insane, fear of becoming — Calc. carb., Cann. Ind., Chel., Cim., 
Lit. tig., Ver. vir. 

Intercostal neuralgia — 

Am. — Sharp neuralgic pains and especially soreness of the 
walls of the chest as if bruised. 

Asclep. tub. — With aggravation from breathing and pressure. 

Borax — Sticking pains in upper part of r. chest. 

Cim. — Either side, 1. especially, better from heat. 

Gaulther. — In the anterior part of the chest. 

Kali carb. — With sharp stitches in the chest; aggravation 
from cold weather. 

Mezer. — Intercostal neuralgia especially after herpes, always 
worse at night and from heat. 

Paris quad. — Beginning in the 1. intercostal region and ex- 
tending into the 1. arm, which becomes stiff. 

Ran. bulb. — Aggravation from cold or wet changes, with great 
soreness to touch; 1. side especially affected. 



COMPARISONS. 121 

Intercostal neuralgia — 

Rumex — Rheumatism of the muscles of the 1. side of the 
chest, worse deep breathing and when lying down at night. 
Spig., Stan. — Worse on the 1. side. 

Intercurrent remedies — Am. carb., Lye, Psor., Sulph. 

Intermittent fever — 

to straighten out a case — 
Ipec. — In recent cases. 
Sulph. — In chronic cases, 
paroxysm preceded by neuralgia — (see Headache, with 

intermittent fever), 
thirst — 

before chill — Bry., Caps., China, Eupat. perf., Nat. mur. 
at some time — Apis, Ars., Bry., Caps., Carh. veg., China, 
Eupat. perf., Ign., Ipec, Lye, Menyan., Nat. mur., 
Nux v. 
coldness predominates — Aran., Cact., Carb. veg., Cedron, 
Cupr., Menyan., Opium . Puis., Ver. a. 
better fire — Ars., Ign., Lach. 
blue finger-nails — Carb. veg., Eucalyp., Eupat. perf., 

Menyan., Nat. mur., Nux v., Ver. a. 
cold knees— Car6. veg., Menyan. 

begins in back — Caps., Cornus flor., Eupat. perf., Gels., 
Lach., Lye, Nux v., Polyporus. 
fever long — Ars., Gels., Nux v. 

desire to be covered during — Ign., Nux v. 
sweat relieves the pains — Gels., Nat. mur. 

worse during — Fer., Fer. phos., Merc, v., Opium. 
with cough — Bry., Eupat. perf., Lye, Rhus t. 
hydroa — Nat. mur., Rhus t. 
urticaria — 

Apis — During the sweating stage. 

Hep. s. — Urticaria preceding or "with the chill" (EL 

C. Allen). 
Nat. mur. — At onset of paroxysm. 
Rhus t. — During the febrile stage. 



122 COMPARISONS. 

Irritableness — (see Swearing). 
with anaemia — Agar., Asar. 

Itching — (refer to Eczema) — 
worse — 

warmth of bed — Alumina, Bov., Canth., Clem., Graph., 
Iris v., Led., Lye, Mezer., Psor., Puis., Rhus t., Suph. 
on undressing — Dulc, Rumex. 

water — Ars. iod., Bov., Clem., Con., Crot. t., Nat. mur., 
Sulph. 
and scratching to bleeding — Alumina, Sulph. 

causes burning — Ars., Dolichos, Merc, v., Mezer., 
Oleand., Puis., Sulph. 
reappears in another place on scratching — Staph. 
from insect bites — Camph., Grind, rob., Led. 

Ivy poisoning — (see Rhus poisoning). 

Jaundice — 

Bell. — With heat and sensitiveness of liver to touch. 

Berb. — With soreness in the region of the liver, associated 
with gastric symptoms. 

Bry. — In inflammation of the liver, with thirst, coated tongue, 
aggravation from motion, and relief from heat and pressure. 

Calc. carb. — The liver is enlarged and sore to touch, with in- 
tolerance of pressure or tight clothing and associated with 
ascites. 

Carduus Mar. — For hyperemia of the liver, with furred 
tongue, nausea and vomiting, constipation. 

Chel. — With pain under angle of r. shoulder-blade. 

China — With enlarged liver and spleen. 

Cornus dr. — From chronic inflammation of the liver. 

Digit. — Soreness over the region of the liver, irregular pulse. 

Dolichos — With intolerable itching without any visible erup- 
tion. 

Gels. — With congestion of the liver and vertigo. 

Granat. — Vertigo, bloated abdomen and vomiting; sensation 
of something moving in the stomach. 

Hydr. — Torpid liver, with tenderness. 



COMPARISONS. 123 

Jaundice — 

Iod. — In cirrhosis of the liver. 

7m v. — In bilious conditions, with acid vomiting. 

Kali bi. — In beer-drinkers. 

Lye. — With acute inflammation of the liver. 

Mag. mur. — Chronic congestion of the liver, with aggravation 
while lying on the r. side. 

Merc. v. — Worse lying on the r. side. 

Myrica — General soreness and aching in muscles; thick tena- 
cious mucus in mouth, although mouth and pharynx are 
painfully dry. 

Nat. sulph. — Worse lying on the 1. side. 

Nux v. — In liquor-drinkers. 

Phos. — In acute yellow atrophy. 

Plumb. — In chronic inflammation, with sensation of a string 
pulling the liver backward. 

Podo. — Chronic inflammation of the liver, with pain. 

Sep. — With weight and soreness over the region of the liver 
extending to the r. shoulder. 

with gall-stones — Bell., Berb., Cole, carb., Chel., China, Hydr., 
Lack., Podo. 

Jaw — 

cracking when chewing — Nit. ac., Rhus t. 
dislocates easily — Ign., Mezer., Petrol., Rhus t. 
necrosis of lower — Calc. fluor., Fluor, ac, Phos., Sil. 
rheumatism of — Caust., Rhus t. 

Kidney- 
colic and calculi — 

Berb. — With pain that starts in, or in the region of, one 
or both kidneys, travels along the ureter into the blad- 
der, and thence through the urethra, with burning in 
bladder ( and urethra. 

Calc. carb. — First suggested by Dr. W. S. Mills for the 
pains of renal colic. Have found it to give prompt 
relief in several cases. 

Carb. veg. — Urine scanty and with an excess of uric acid. 






124 COMPARISONS. 

Kidney — 

colic and calculi — 

Cocc. c — Urinary calculi, with violent colic, hematuria, 
large deposits of uric acid and urates, pains lancinating 
and extending from the kidneys to the bladder. 
Lye. — Renal colic of the r. side ; uric acid diathesis. 
Ocimum — Has been found useful in renal colic, especially 
of the r. side, associated with violent vomiting; it is 
often of value for the uric acid diathesis, with large 
deposits of red sand in the urine, particularly if the 
patient is subject to pain in the ureters. 
Piper m. — In renal colic, with " agonizing, twisting, 

writhing pain" (Hale). 
Sep. — Urine depositing a red sediment which adheres 

tightly to the vessel. 
Thlaspi — Passage of calculi, with haemorrhage, 
r.-sided — Lye, Nux v., Ocimum. 
gravel — Benz. ac., Canth., Coloc., Dios., Hydrang., Opium, 
Sarsap. 
in children — Canth., Sarsap. 

with hematuria — Cocc. c, Hydrang., Lye, Thlaspi. 
hematuria — (see Haemorrhage, hematuria), 
nephritis — 

interstitial — Ars., Aurum, Lye, Petrol., Phyto., Plumb., 

Sulph. 
parenchimatous — 

Apis — Acute or chronic cases; for acute exacerba- 
tions (Zinc); during pregnancy. 
Apis, Canth., Carbol. ac, Crot. h., Hep. s., Lach., 

Phyto., Tereb. — During or after diphtheria. 
Apis, Apoc can., Asclep. cor., Digit., Per. iod., Hel- 
leb., Lach., Phyto., Secale cor., Tereb. — During or 
after scarlet fever. 
Apoc. can. — Scanty urine and dropsy, thirst and 

irritability of the stomach. 
Ars. — A similar picture; pale face, dry skin, prostra- 
tion. 



COMPARISONS. 125 

Kidney — 

nephritis — 

parenchematous — 

Canth., Colch., Merc, corr., Merc. v. — With extreme 

tenesmus and distress in the bladder. 
Digit. — With threatened heart failure. 
Dulc. — With suppressed urine; from working in 

water. 
Helon. — Acute and chronic conditions; during preg- 
nancy (Apis, Kali mur., Kalmia, Merc, corr., 
Merc. v.). 
Phos. — With fatty casts. 
Phyto., Rhus t. — After getting wet. 
Sambu., Senecio — In acute conditions, with dropsy, 
pain from, to testicle — Berb., Cocc. c, Dios., Hamam., Nux v., 
Ocimum. 

Knee- 
bend of, eruption — Nat. mur., Sep. 
joint, cracking in — Caust., Nat. sulph. 
rheumatism of — Asclep. cor., Bry., Calc. carb., Chel., Cim., 

Per. phos., Iod., Kali iod., Led., Sabina, Sticta. 
sensation as if bandaged — Anacard., China, Phos., Sil. 
synovitis — Apis, Bry., Calc. fluor., China, Fluor, ac, Iod., 

Led., Sticta, Sulph. 
tuberculosis of — Calc. carb., Cistus. 
weak — Arg. met., Coccul., Gels. 

Labor — (see Pregnancy, labor pains). 

Lachrymal fistula — Calc. carb., Fluor, ac, Petrol, Phos., Puis., 
Sil. 
stricture — Nat. mur., Phos., Sil., Stan. 

Laryngeal phthisis — Ars., Dros., Lauroc, Mang., Nit. ac, 
Selen., Spong. 

Laryngismus stridulous — (see Croup, false). 

L.- sided remedies — Cim., Graph., Lach., Magnol. gr., Ran. bidb., 
Spig., Xanth. 



126 COMPARISONS. 

Lead colic — Alumina, Coloc, Nat. sulph., Opium, Plat., Sulph. 
ac, Zinc. 

Leucorrhoea — 

flow only in daytime — Alumina, Sep. 
at night — Bov. 
worse at night — Bov., Caust., Merc. v. 
in little girls — Calc. carb., Caul., Cubeba, Puis. 
before puberty — Calc. carb., Carbol. ac, Caul., Cubeba, Hydr., 

Puis. 
instead of menses — Ars., China, Coccul., Graph., Puis., Xan- 

thox. 
precedes and follows the menses — Borax, Calc. carb., Pallad., 

Thlaspi. 
follows the menses — Alumina, Bov., Calc. phos., Con., Kreos., 

Mag. carb., Murex, Nit. ac, Phos. ac, Sabina, Ustil. 
acrid — Alumina, Am. carb., Ant. cr., Arg. met., Ars., Borax, 
Bov., Carb. veg., Clem., Con., Cubeba, Per., Iod., Kali iod., 
Kreos., Lil. tig., Mag. carb., Merc, bin., Merc v., Nat. mur., 
Nit. ac, Sabina, Sep., Sil., Sulph. 
burning — Am. carb., Ars., Con., Iod., Lye 
like white of egg — Am. mur., Borax, Calc. phos. 

milk — Calc. carb., Fer., Graph., Puis., Sep., Sil. 
in gushes — 

Calc. carb., Graph. — Leucorrhoea that comes in gushes. 
Coccul. — In suppression of the menses, a purulent, gush- 
ing leucorrhoea that takes the place of the menses. 
Lye, Sil. — Leucorrhoea, with paroxysmal discharge, 
offensive — Arg. met., Ars., Calend., China, Cubeba, Helon., 

Hep. s., Kreos., Nat. carb., Nit. ac, Psor., Sabina, Ustil. 
profuse — Alumina, Am. carb., Am. mur., Arg. nit., Bov., Calc. 
carb., Caul., Cubeba, Graph., Helon., Hydr., Lil. tig., Merc 
bin., Murex, Nat. mur., Puis. 
tenacious — Hydr., Kali bi. 
with distress on urinating — 

Berb. — Leucorrhoea, associated with painful urination. 
Clem. — Corrosive leucorrhoea, with shooting pains run- 
ning upward to the breasts, noticed especially when 
urinating. 



COMPARISONS. 127 

Leucorrhoea — 

with distress on urinating — 

Lril. tig. — Excoriating leucorrhoea, with distress on 
urinating. 

Sil. — Excoriating leucorrhoea, "with smarting on uri- 
nating" (Minton). 

Ligament, broad — 

cysts of — Bov., Coloc, Kali brom. 
tumors of — Bov., Coloc, Kali brom. 
Lips — 

blue — (see Venous congestion). 

cracked — Arum tri., Graph., Mur. ac. 

Liver — 

worse lying on 1. side — Bry., Nat. sulph. 

r. side — Crot. h., Mag. mur., Merc, v., Psor. 
abscess — Hep. s., Kali carb., Lack., Lauroc, Lye, Merc, v., 

Phos., Sil. 
cirrhosis — Curare, Fluor, ac, Hydrocot., lod., Lye, Mag. mur., 

Merc, v., Phos., Plumb. 
fatty degeneration — Aurum, Phos. 
spots — Lye, Nit. ac, Phos., Sep., Sulph. 
troubles of drinkers — 

Fluor, ac, Nux v. — From alcoholic liquors. 
Kali bi. — From beer drinking. 

Lochia — (see Pregnancy, lochia). 

Locomotor ataxia — 

Agar. — For the shooting neuralgic pains. 

Alumina — Has these symptoms: inability to walk, except 
with the eyes open and in the daytime ; heaviness of limbs 
and staggering when walking; feeling in sole as if soft and 
swollen and numbness of heel on stepping on it. 

Angustura — "For the lightning-like pains. Has given relief 
when all other remedies have failed" (O'Connor). 

Berb., Plumb. — "In the earlier stages of locomotor ataxia 
Berb. has given me good results; also Plumb." (O'Connor). 

China — With the sensation of a cord tied about the leg. 



128 COMPARISONS. 

Locomotor ataxia — 

Ox. ac. — Pains confined to small spots and lasting only a few 
seconds. 

Phos. — With sensation of burning in the spine and formication. 

Plumb. — Allen says that if it "has not actually cured this 
disease it has been found valuable for many of its distress- 
ing symptoms, especially for the violent sciatic pains, the 
colic, constipation and dysuria." 

Plumb, iod. — Allen once performed wonders in a case suffer- 
ing from terrible pains which were due to an acute exacerba- 
tion of the disease. Plumb, had no effect but Plumb, iod., 
until then an unknown and untried remedy, gave prompt 
relief. 

Rhus t. — With its aggravation in cold wet weather. 

Thallium — Useful for the terrible neuralgias, especially after 
Plumb, seems to have lost its effect. 

Zinc. — With its lightning-like pains. 

Love, ill effects from — Ign., Phos. ac. 

Lumbago — 

better bending backward — Cim., Rhus t. 

change of position — Cim., Puis., Rhus t. 
pains run down thighs— 

Berb. — The pains in the back extend around the body, 

and down to the buttocks and thighs. 
Cim. — With great restlessness, the pains running from 

the small of the back down the thighs, especially the 1. 
Kali carb. — Lumbago, with feeling as if the back would 

break and they must sit down ; the pains run down the 

back to the thighs. 
Magnol. gr. — Rheumatic pains in the back, alternating 

with similar pains in other parts, or with shooting 

pains, shooting from thighs to feet. 
Zinc. — With pains running down the thighs and worse 

from sitting and stooping. 

Lupus — Ars., Ars. iod., Calotropis, Fluor, ac, Hydr., Hydrocot., 
Kali bi., Kreos., Lye, Thuja. 



COMPARISONS. 129 

Malar bone — (see Face, neuralgia of malar bone). 

Malnutrition — Ba. carb.,Calc. carb., Cole, phos., Lye, Nat. mur., 
Phos. 

Mania — 

from supression of the menses — Apis, Bell., Plat. 
puerperal — 

Agnus cast. — With sadness and impression of speedy 
death. 

Bell. — With great excitement. 

Camph. — With suppressed discharges, dryness and cold- 
ness of the skin. 

Canth. — Mania of a sexual type, must have immediate 
gratification. 

Cim. — Sees things; talking, and continually changing 
the subject. 

Hyosc. — With illusions, unchaste talk and desire to lie 
uncovered. 

Plat. — With unchaste talk. 

Secale cor. — Cold to the touch, yet refuses to be covered. 

Stram. — Excessive fear and terrifying hallucinations. 

Ver. a. — With rapid exhaustion and coldness of the ex- 
tremities; cold sweat; despair for the future, in this 
world and the next. 

Ver. vir. — Intense congestion; excitement or stupor. 

with bad talk — Hyosc, Plat. 

Marasmus — 

Ars. — With its prostration, thirst and irritable stomach. 

Ba. carb. — With habitual colic; child seems hungry but re- 
fuses food; does not thrive; looks wrinkled and premature- 
ly old (Lye). 

Calc. carb. — With distended or protruding abdomen. 

Calc. phos. — With retracted abdomen. 

China — Rapid emaciation, with indigestion, voracious appe- 
tite, undigested stools, copious night-sweats. 

Hep. s., Mag. carb., Nat. phos., Rheum — With sour diarrhoea 
and general sour odor of the body. 



130 COMPARISONS. 

Marasmus — 

Hydr. — With great emaciation. 

Iod. — Great appetite and rapid emaciation, Bell putting it, 

" eating too often and too much, digestion being rapid, and 

yet the emaciation goes on," while Lilienthal says, "must 

eat every few hours, yet loses flesh all the time. " 
Nat. mur. — Thirst, ravenous appetite and general emaciation 

noticed especially about the neck; associated with this we 

have diarrhoea and greasy skin, or constipation, with 

bleeding after the hard stool." 
Phos. — General tubercular diathesis. 
Phos. ac. — Painless diarrhoea and general apathy. 
Psor. — Ravenous hunger, fetid diarrhoea, foul odor from the 

body, greasy skin. 
Sarsap. — Fully developed marasmus, with aphthous sore 

mouth, emaciation and shrivelled skin. 
Sulph. — With the sulphur conditions in general and especially 

as an intercurrent. 
Sulph. ac. — With aphthous sore mouth, salivation, fetid 

diarrhoea like chopped eggs, general sour odor over the 

whole body. 

Mastitis — (see Breasts, mastitis). 
Mastoid — (see Ear, mastoid disease). 
Masturbation — (see Sexual organs, male, excesses). 

Measles — 

to develop rash — 

Ailant.j Apis — In meningitis from suppressed eruptions, 

with stupor apparently the result of effusion. 
Bry. — Frequently indicated in scarlet fever and measles 
. , when the eruption does not develop well, or in menin- 

gitis from suppressed eruptions. 
Camph. — Coldness and blueness of the skin as the result 
of suppressed eruptions, in measles as well as in scarlet 
fever, with rapid sinking of the strength. 



COMPARISONS. 131 

Measles — 

to develop rash — 

Cupr. — "For the suppression of the eruption, or where 

the eruption fails to come out and convulsions are the 

result, due to nervous erethism in young people who 

usually enjoy good health" (Lilienthal). 
Gels. — Of great value, especially in measles, to bring out 

and to keep out the eruption. 
Stram. — With the delirium and suppressed urine. 
Sulph. — Hydrocephalus from the retrocession of the 

eruption. 
Zinc. — " Convulsions due to want of vitality to bring the 

rash out, vital force below par, nervously too weak to 

develop the eruption" (Lilienthal). 
hemorrhagic — Ars., Crot. h., Hamam. 
deafness after — (see Ear, deafness after exenthemata). 

Melancholia — 

after eating — Arg. nit., Nat. carb., Nux v. 
from grief — Ign., Plat. 

suppression of the menses — Aurum, Carb. an., Coccul., 
Con., Cyclam., Graph., Ign., Lye, Nat. mur., Sep., 
Ver. a. 
sexual excesses — Ba. carb., Con., Sep., Zinc. 
aversion to her own family — Con., Crot. h., Sep. 
fear of becoming insane — Calc. carb., Cann. Ind., Chel., Cim., 

Lit. tig., Ver. vir. 
during pregnancy — China — Where the interest is especially 
centered on herself. 
Nat. mur. — Sure that the child will be 
marked, 
following pregnancy — Cim., Helon., Sulph., Zinc. 
religious — 

Aurum — Weeping and crying or " constant praying as 

the most noticeable symptom" (Talcott). 
Kali brom. — Religious delusions of various kinds, except 

pleasant ones. 
Lach. — Doubts everything. 
10 



132 COMPARISONS. 

Melancholia — 

religious — 

IAL tig. — As the result of uterine or ovarian irritation, 
has apprehensions concerning her present and future, 
is " tormented about her salvation" and " thinks she 
is doomed to expiate her sins and those of her family'! 
(Hering). 

Melilot. off. — With indolence. 

Nat. mur. — Sad and hopeless for the future. 

Plat. — With great dread of death. 

Puis. — Depressed and fearful. 

Sulph. — " Selfish and anxious about his own salvation, 
but indifferent to that of others" (Talcott). 

Ver. a. — After religious excitement, 
weeping if looked at — Nat. mur., Puis. 

no desire to be comforted — Carb. an., Cyclam., Helon., 
Ign., Nat. mur., Plat., Stan., Sulph., Thuja, Ver. a. 
worries about the future — 

Arg. nit. — Expects trouble from everything she under- 
takes; concludes she has some incurable disease and 
will not believe her physician when he says to the con- 
trary. 

Ars. — A feeling that she is incurable anyway so what is 
the use of doing anything. 

Calc. carb. — Fear that she is becoming insane or that some 
misfortune is about to happen. 

Chin, sulph. — Fear of impending evil. 

IAL tig. — Fear that she is incurable or that she will be- 
come insane. 

Merc. v. — Mental alienation, with hurried talking, rest- 
lessness and apprehension of impending evil. 

Nat. mur., Graph. — Despairing melancholia, hopeless of 
the future. 

Sabad. — For imaginary diseases or where the patient 
imagines that she has various troubles; she imagines 
"that she is pregnant, when she is merely swollen 
from flatus" (Hering). 



COMPARISONS. 133 

Melancholia — 

worries about the future — 

Sep. — Anxious forebodings about real or imaginary dis- 
eases. 
Ver. a. — Hallucinations of physical diseases. 
Memory, loss of — Agnus cast., Anacard., Arg. nit., Ba. carb. t 
Calc. carb., Chel., Con., Crot. h., Kali brom., Lye, Merc, v., Nat. 
carb., Phos. ac, Phos., Plumb., Zinc. 

Meningitis — 

Aeon. — After exposure to the sun. 

Apis — Apathy and stupor, or with rolling of the head on the 
pillow, usually with sudden starts and screaming as from 
severe pain in the head. 

Am., Cicuta — The result of concussion. 

Atropin — Sometimes prescribed for the symptoms of Bell. 

Bell. — In simple meningitis, also meningitis from erysipelas; 
head drawn backward, aggravation from light and noise. 

Bry. — From suppressed eruptions. 

Cicuta — Basilar meningitis. 

Cim. — With its headache. 

Cina, Tanacet. — When due to worms. 

Cupr. — With convulsions and clenched thumbs. 

Digit., Helleb. — In the early stage of effusion. 

Fer. phos. — Early stage, soft pulse, with heaviness and drow- 
siness. 

Hyper. — Traumatic meningitis. 

Lack. — "From erysipelas after Bell." (Farrington), with 
terrible pain in vertex extending over whole head. 

Rhus t. — With relief from laying head on something hard. 

Sulph. — Second stage. 

Zinc. — Beginning meningitis; restlessness, especially of the 
feet ; aggravation from alcoholic stimulants. 

second stage — Digit., Helleb., Sulph. ' 

from suppressed eruptions — Ailant., Apis, Bry., Cupr., Hel- 
leb., Sulph., Zinc. 

cerebro-spinal — Am. carb., Cicuta, Crot h., Gels., Glon., Hel- 
leb., Stram., Ver. vir. 

tubercular — Apis, Calc. iod., Cicuta, Iod., Iodoform, Lye. 



134 COMPARISONS. 

Menstruation — 

better flow — Lack., Zinc. 

flow ceases at night — Cad., Caust, Puis. 
worse, flow worse at night — Am. mur., Bov., Cocc. c, Mag. 
carb. 
movement — Crocus, Helon., Puis., Sabina, Trill. 
kind of — 

amenorrhcea — 

Alnus — Scrofulous enlargement of the glands, with 
amenorrhcea and burning pain from back to pubis. 
Aurum — Amenorrhcea with great melancholy. 
Calc. carb. — In place of the menses there are conges- 
tion of the head, dyspnoea, palpitation, haemor- 
rhage from the lungs, night cough, general anaemia, 
unnatural appetite, etc. 
or suppression from getting her feet wet — Ant cr. f 
Dulc, Graph., Nux m., Puis., Rhus t., Xanth. 
dysmenorrhoea from getting her feet wet — Acon. t 

Nat. mur., Puis. 
suppressed menses — 
Calc. carb., Cyclam., Graph., Nat. mur., Phos., 
Podo., Puis., Sang., Sep. — In young girls 
where the first menses are too long delayed. 
Aletris, Ars., Kali carb., Ox. ac, Plumb. — From 

general asthenia. 
Aeon., Ox. ac, Puis., Sulph. — From taking cold. 
Dunham saying of Sulphur, "when Puis, had 
been given without effect" and "more fre- 
quently indicated than Puls. ,} 
Ant. cr., Dulc, Graph., Nux m., Puis., Rhus t. t 

Xanth. — From getting her feet wet. 
Ant. cr. — From cold bathing. 
Apis — From local inflammation. 
Ver. vir. — From remote inflammation. 
Coloc — From anger or chagrin. 
Cham., Glon., Nux m. — From excitement. 
Aeon., Opium — From fright. 



COMPARISONS. 135 

Menstruation — 

kind of — 

amenorrhoea — 

or suppressed menses — 
Ign. — From grief. 
Plat. — From a sea voyage, 
suppressed, with — 

convulsions — Bell., Gels., Ver. vir., Zinc. 
delirium — Apis, Bell., Plat. 
fainting — 

Mosch. — With hysteria and choking in throat. 
Nux m. — With cold dry skin, never perspires, 
and sensitiveness to cold, moist air. 
flatulence — Am. mur., Coccul., Kali carb., Lye. 
hysteria — Cim., Mosch., Nux m. 
mania — Apis, Bell., Plat. 

melancholia — Aurum, Carb. an., Coccul., Con. t 

Cyclam., Graph., Ign., Lye, Nat. mur., Sep., Ver. a. 

too early and too scanty — Con., Mang., Nux v., Phos., 

Sep., Xanth. 

profuse — Am. carb., Am. mur., Ars. t 

Bell., Borax, Bov., Calc. carb., Carb. 

veg., Cham., China, Cim., Cinnam., 

Clem., Coccul., Cyclam., Ign., Iod., 

Ipec, Kali carb., Kreos., Led., Mag. 

mur., Mosch., Mur ex, Nat. mur., Nux 

v., Phos. ac, Phos., Plat., Trill., Sa- 

bina, Senecio, Ustil. 

profuse and too long — Calc. carb., Cit. ac, Crocus, 

Fer., Fer. cit., Millef., Nux v., Plat., Sabina. 
menorrhagia at climacteric — 

Calc. carb., Crocus, Merc. v. — Menorrhagia or 

metrorrhagia. 
Sabina — With pain from small of back to geni- 
tals. 
Trill. — Profuse, gushing at the least movement. 



136 COMPARISONS. 

Menstruation — 

kind of — 

too profuse and too long — 

monorrhagia at climateric — 

Ustil. — Blood bright red and watery or partly- 
clotted, the uterus seemingly soft and spongy 
and suffering from passive congestion. 
Vinca — Continuous flow particularly at the cli- 
macteric, or haemorrhages after, 
late — Calc. phos., Graph., Kali carb., Lack., Mag. 
carb., Nat. mur., Puis., Sang., Sep., Sulph., Vib. 
op. 
sometimes reappears — Bov., Calc. carb., Kreos., Mang., 

Mur ex. 
changes to or followed by leucorrhcea — Alumina, Bov., 
Calc. phos., Con., Kreos., Mag. carb., Mur ex, Nit. ac, 
Phos. ac, Sabina, Ustil. 
preceded and followed by leucorrhcea — Borax, Calc. carb., 

Graph., Pallad., Thlaspi. 
leucorrhcea instead of menses — Ars., China, Coccul., 

Graph., Puis., Xanth. 
bright red and hot, metrorrhagia — Aeon., Amyl nit., Bell. 
black — Canth., Graph., Juglans reg., Kreos., Mag. carb., 

Mag. mur., Nux m., Xanth. 
dark, metrorrhagia — Bov., Crocus, Elaps, Hamam., Lach., 
Sabina, Sep., Ustil., Viscum. 
clotted, menorrhagia — 

Bell. — The discharge has a bad smell, "is 
thick, coagulated, decomposed, and of a dark 
color. Feels hot as it passes" (Minton). 
Cham. — When the flow is irregular, dark and 

clotted. 
China — Menstruation too early and too profuse, 
with dark clots and distention of the ab- 
domen. 
Cim. — With too early and too profuse menses 
the blood may be dark and clotted, with se- 
vere pain in the back extending through hips 
and down the thighs. 



COMPARISONS. 137 

Menstruation — 

kind of — 

dark, clotted, monorrhagia — 

Cocc. c. — With large clots, and dysuria. 

Coff. cr. — Dark, clotted blood, with extreme 

sensitiveness of the genitals. 
Crocus — Menses dark and clotted, flow from the 

least movement. 
Cyclam. — Menses too early and too profuse, 
black and clotted, with labor-like pains ex- 
tending from back to pubis. 
Plat. — Menorrhagia, with black clots, extreme 
sensitiveness of the parts and great bearing- 
down pains. 
Thlaspi — Menses profuse, dark, clotted and 

fetid. 
Ustil. — Chronic uterine haemorrhage, with per- 
sistent oozing of dark blood, with black clots. 
Viscum — Flow partly bright, partly clotted 
and dark, with dull headache, blue rings 
around the eyes, numbness of the extremi- 
ties. 
menorrhagia at climacteric — (see Menstruation, pro- 
fuse, menorrhagia at climacteric). 
in gushes — 

Bell— With hot blood. 

Cham. — Sometimes a constant oozing of dark foul 

blood, with occasional bright gushes. 
Coccul. — With its flatulent distention and colic. 
Crocus — Gushing on every movement. 
Sabina — In plethoric women and at the climacteric, 
flow paroxysmal, worse every movement, with 
pain from sacrum to pubis. 
Trill. — Gushing on the least movement, with sen- 
sation as though the hips and back were falling 
to pieces, relieved by tight bandages, 
offensive — Bell., Carb. veg., Cham., Kreos., Lach., Psor., 
Secale cor., Thlaspi. 



138 COMPARISONS. 

Menstruation — 

kind of — 

passive flow — Carb. veg., Cinnam., Helon., Millef., 

Thlaspi, Vinca. 
membranous dysmenorrhcea — Acet. ac, Borax, Brom., 
Calc. acet, Calc. carb., Cham., Collin., Cyclam., Graph., 
Kali bi., Lach., Phos., Rhus t., Ustil., Vib. op. 
vicarious — Bry., Calc. carb., Digit., Fer., Hamam., Kali 
carb., Lach., Phos., Puis., Zinc. 
with — 

breast — 

tender before — Con., Helon., Ustil. 
tumors in, at period — Con., Merc. v. 
between period — Ustil. 
colic — Cham., Coccul., Coloc, Kali carb., Mag. phos., 

Nat. mur., Puis., Secale cor., Vib. op. 
diarrhoea — 

before and during — Bov., Nat. mur. 
during— Am. mur. 
epilepsy — (see Epilepsy, with menstruation), 
eruption — 

Graph., Mag. mur., Mang. — Eruption on face worse 

before menses. 
Sep. — Eruption on face worse before and during 

menstruation. 
Crot. h. — Papular eruption on chin, associated with 
delayed menstruation, 
exhaustion — Alumina, Ars., Calc. carb., Carb. veg., 
China, Cit. ac, Coccul., Fer., Fer. cit., Fer. pic, Helon., 
Ipec, Phos. ac, Phos., Pic. ac. 
fainting — 

Mosch. — With hysteria and choking in throat. 
Nux m. — With cold dry skin, never perspires, and 
sensitiveness to cold, moist air. 
flatulence — Am. mur., Coccul., Kali carb., Lye 
headache — (see Headache, worse menstruation), 
hysteria — (see Hysteria, menstrual). 



COMPARISONS. 139 

Menstruation — 

with — 

delirium — Apis, Bell., Plat. 

mania — Apis, Bell., Plat. 

melancholia — Aurum, Carb. an., Coccul., Con., Cyclam., 

Graph., Ign., Lye, Nat. mur., Sep., Ver. a. 
neuralgia, neuralgic dysmenorrhcea — 

Agar., Bell. — Violent spasmodic or neuralgic dys- 
menorrhcea, with terrible bearing-down pains. 
Caul., Cim., Plat., Ver. vir. — With convulsions. 
Sarsap. — Dysmenorrhcea characterized by retracted 

and painful nipples. 
Vib. op. — Sudden and excruciating pains through 
the uterus and lower part of the abdomen, pre- 
ceding the flow. 
Xanth. — With pains going down the anterior por- 
tion of the thighs, mostly 1., with neuralgic head- 
ache, especially over the 1. eye. 
pain going down thighs — Berb., Cim., Con., Mag. mur., 

Sabina, Ustil., Vib. op., Xanth. 
pruritus — (see Pruritus). 
toothache — Lach., Sep., Staph. 
urticaria — 

Dolichos — From suppression of the menses from the 

natural cause, pregnancy. 
Kreos. — Pruritus and urticaria after menstruation, 

with itching and burning. 
Puis. — From suppression of the menses from unna- 
tural causes. 

Mercury, ill effects of — Asaf., Aurum, Bry., China, Dulc, 
Hep. s., lod., Lach., Mezer., Nit. ac, Sarsap., Staph. 

Mesenteric glands, diseases of — Ars. iod., Ba. carb., Calc. carb., 
Con., Iod. 

Micturition — (see under Urine). 

Milk, scanty or suppressed — Puis., Urtica ur. 



140 COMPARISONS. 

Miscarriage — (see Abortion). 

Mouth — 

aphthae — 

Ars., Caps., Cornus cir., Iris v., Nat. mur. — With burning. 

Bapt., Mur. ac, Sarsap. — In wasting diseases. 

Borax — The mucous membrane looks shrivelled as if 

burnt. 
Helleb., Thuja — With offensive odor from the mouth. 
Helon., Merc, corr., Merc, v., Nit. ac, Sulph. ac, Sulph. — 

With ptyalism. 
Hydr. — Especially after mercury or chlorate of potash. 
Kali hi. — With deep ulcerations. 
Kali chlor., Kali mur., Lack. — Severe cases with fetid 

odor. 
Staph. — With black and crumbly teeth. 
burnt, scalded feeling in — 

Agar., Ars. — Neuralgia of the tongue, with burning pain. 

Apis — Scalded feeling along the edges. 

Bapt., Iris v. — Mouth and tongue feel scalded. 

Hydr. — Flabby tongue showing the imprint of the teeth, 

with a peppery feeling or sensation as if it had been 

burnt, especially on the forward part of the tongue. 
Nat. mur. — Mouth and tongue feel dry, hot and burning. 
Psor. — Tip of tongue is dry and feels as if burnt. 
Sang. — Roof of mouth and pharynx feel as if burnt or 

scalded. 
Sep. — Pain in tongue as if burnt. 
Ver. vir., Zizia — Tongue feels scalded, 
canker-sores — 

Ars. — With great dryness and burning heat in mouth and 

tongue. 
Hydr. — After the abuse of chlorate of potash. 
Lach. — With dark purplish appearance of the adjacent 

mucous membrane. 
Merc v. — Frequently our first selection and often given 

when Nit. ac is indicated ; salivation and soreness. 



COMPARISONS. 141 

Mouth— 

canker-sores — 

Nit. ac. — With sharp, sticking pains, and especially in- 
dicated after an over-indulgence in sweets, 
crusts and scabs at corners — Ant. cr., Cundur., Graph., Nit. 

ac. 
gangrene of — Ars., Caps., Dulc, Kali Mot., Lack. 
pallor around — 

Carbol. ac. — In diphtheria, pallor around the nose and 
mouth is one of the characteristic indications for the 
remedy. 
Cina — Pallor around the nose and mouth when the child 
is troubled with worms. 

Moon — 

worse increasing — Clem. 
full— Sil. 

Mucous patches — Merc, corr., Merc, nit., Nit. ac. 

Muscles, injuries to — Am., Sulph. ac. 

Naevus — Fluor, ac, Lye. 

Nails — 

finger — 

furrowed — 

Fluor, ac. — The nails grow rapidly, become crump- 
led, or wrinkled, and have longitudinal furrows 
in them. 
Graph. — The nails become discolored, thick and 

rough and may have these same furrows. 
Sil. — The nails become yellow and corrugated, 
horny — Ant. cr., Fluor, ac, Graph. 
toe, ingrowing — Graph., Sil. 

Neck — 

glands of — (see Glands of neck), 
stiff— (see Stiff neck). 



142 COMPARISONS. 

Negro, remedies for — 

Puis. — For the mental conditions. 
Sulph. — For the constitutional taint. 

Nephritis — (see Kidney, nephritis). 

Nerves — 

irritable with anaemia — Agar., Asar. 
neuralgia after injuries — All. c, Am., Hyper. 

amputations — All. c, Am. mur., Am., Hyper., 
Staph. 

Night-sweats — (see Sweat, night-sweats). 

Nipples, cracked — Caust., Graph., Petrol, Phyto., Ratan. 

Nose — 

worse — 

smell of coffee — Fluor, ac, Nux v., Sul. ac. 
flowers — Graph. 

food — Ars., Coccul., Colch., Nux v. 
strong odors — Colch., Nux v. 
kind of and with — 

nosebleed in the morning — Ambra gr., Bov., Bry., Garb. 
an., Hamam., Kali carb., Lach. 
on washing face — Am. carb., Ant. sulph. aur., 

Kali carb. 
of dark blood — Am., Crocus, Crot. h., Hamam., 

Lach., Thlaspi, Trill. 
vicarious — (see Menstruation, kind of, 

vicarious), 
relieves headache — (see Headache, better 
nosebleed), 
bones — 

caries of — Aurum, Aurum mur., Phos., Plat. mur. 
sore when touched — Aurum, Cinnab., Hep. s., Merc. 
v., Mezer., Sil. 
catarrh — 

worse wet weather — 

Dulc. — Increased secretion and free discharge 
of mucus in cold, wet weather. 



COMPARISONS. 143 

Nose- 
kind of and with — 
catarrh — ■ 

worse wet weather — 

Gels. — Acute nasal catarrhs, with increased 
discharge, caused by or worse during warm, 
muggy weather. 
Mang. — Chronic nasal catarrh, nose very much 
stuffed up, or obstruction of the nostrils, 
worse during cold, wet weather. 
Nat. sulph. — Nasal catarrh, with thick yellow 
discharge, sometimes scabs and blood; dis- 
charge more profuse in damp weather. 
Phyto. — General aggravation during damp wea- 
ther; nasal catarrh, with pain at root of nose 
and stoppage of one nostril. 
Rhus t. — Nasal catarrh, with thick discharge 
and severe aching, brought on by dampness, 
discharge day, stopped at night — Iod., Nat. carb., 
Nux v., Puis. 
passing into pharynx — Cinnab., Nit. ac. 
mucus smells as of old catarrh — Puis., Sulph. 

very offensive — Aurum, Cole, carb., 
Crot. h., Graph., Iod., Hep. s., Mag. 
mur., Merc, pr., Merc, v., Mezer. y 
Nit. ac, Sil., Sulph. 
post-nasal — Alumina, Chrom. ac, Cinnab., Cubeba, 
Curare, Dulc, Hydr., Kali bi., Kali carb., Kali 
mur., Lye, Mang., Merc, pr., Nat. mur., Nat. phos., 
Nat. sulph., Nit. ac, Petrol., Sang, nit, Sep., Spig., 
Wyethia. 
scabs in, dry — 

Alumina — Red tip and internal soreness. 
Elaps — Nose dry, with constant feeling of stuffi- 
ness. 
Graph. — Internal dryness and great soreness, 
formation of dried mucus or "clinkers" and 
general bad odor; nostrils externally are ul- 
cerated, cracked and bleeding. 



144 COMPARISONS 

Nose — 

kind of and with — 
catarrh — 

scabs in, dr}' — 

Kali bi. — The most frequently indicated remedy. 
Kali carb. — With soreness and stinging or stick- 
ing pains internally. 
Lye. — A remedy often indicated and often over- 
looked. 
Mag. mur. — For conditions very similar to those 
for which we prescribe Graph, including con- 
stipation and pimply eruption on the face. 
Mang., Nat. sulph. — Worse during cold, wet 

weather. 
Nat. mur. — After abuse of nitrate of silver. 
Petrol. — With many symptoms similar to 
Graph., especially cracks in the wings of the 
nose. 
Puis. — Aggravation towards evening and night. 
Sinap. — Dryness of the anterior and posterior 
nares and of the pharynx, with slightly 
lumpy secretion. 
Sticta — Dryness of the nose and palate, they 
feel stiff as leather, with occasional discharge 
of scabby mucus. 
Thuja — With painful scabs, 
with pain over frontal sinuses — (see Headache, 
worse, nasal catarrh). 
cold — 

Ailant. — In scarlet fever, with deep coma, rash pale 
violet, involuntary discharges from bladder and 
rectum, tip of nose and extremities cold. 
Apis — Coldness of the tip of the nose when the 
throat begins to be sore is a pretty good indica- 
tion for Apis. 
Apis, Menyan. — Both remedies have a pronounced 
coldness of the tip of the nose, and in both it 
might be noticed in intermittent fever. 



COMPARISONS. 145 

Nose — 

kind of and with — 

coryza — (see Coryza). 

with pain at root of nose — All. e, Brom., Eup. perf., 

Euphr., lod., Kali iod., Nux v., Ran. bulb., Sang. 

nit, Sticta. 

cracks in wings — Ant. cr., Graph., Nit. ac, Petrol., Thuja. 

diphtheria extending to — Apis, Arum tri., Carbol. ac, 

Lye, Merc, cyan., Mur. ac, Nit. ac. 
fan-like motion of wings — Lye, Phos. 
hay-fever — (see Hay-fever). 

headache, with pain at root — Hep. s., Lach., Sarsap. (re- 
fer, Headache, worse, coryza, nasal catarrh), 
ozsena — (see Ozaena). 
pallor of — 

Carbol. ac. — Pallor around nose and mouth is one 

of the characteristic indications for the remedy. 
Cina — Pallor around the nose and mouth is a marked 
indication when the child is troubled with worms, 
picking at — Arum tri., Cina. 

polypi — Calc. carb., Con., Kali bi., Kali nit., Lye, Ma- 
rum v., Merc, bin., Phos., Sang., Sang, nit., Sep. 
red — 

Alumina — Chronic nasal catarrh, with soreness in- 
ternally and swelling and redness of tip. 
Carb. an., Cadmium sulph. — Redness of nose from 

cold. 
Carb. veg. — For varicose veins on nose. 
Caust. — " Redness and pimples on tip and wings of 

nose'' (Dearborn). 
Kali carb. — Red externally and dry internally. 
Lach., Led. — For the so-called " rum-blossom." 
Vinca — Redness of tip from slight causes, 
regurgitation of drink — Bell., Canth., Carbol. ac, Lach., 

Lye, Merc, corr., Merc, v., Sulph. ac. 
septum, ulceration of — Hydr., Kali bi. 



146 COMPARISONS. 

Nose — 

kind of and with — 

stopped in coryza — (see Coryza, with stoppage of nose), 
alternating profuse and stopped — (see Coryza, dis- 
charge alternating profuse and stopped), 
stopped at night, discharge during the day — (see 
Coryza, stoppage at night, discharge by day), 
varicose veins on — Carb. veg., Led. 

septum — Carb. veg., Hamam. 
warts on — Caust., Thuja. 
wings — 

cracks in — Ant. cr., Graph., Nit. ac, Petrol., Thuja. 
fan-like motion of — Lye, Phos. 

Numbness — Aeon., Cedron, China, Coccul., Con., Gels., GnaphaL, 
Kalmia, Kreos., Mezer., Nat. mur., Nux v., Ox. ac., Phos., Plat., 
Plumb., Puis., Rhus t., Secale cor., Sil. (refer Extremities, fall 
asleep). 

Nursing — 

pain in breast when — 

Crot. t. — Excruciating pain on nursing, running through 

the breast to scapula. 
Phelland. — Intense pain in the milk-tubes when nursing. 
Phyto. — Violent pains whenever the milk flows into the 
breast, especially when nursing, pains which start from 
the nipple and radiate over the whole body, particu- 
larly up and down the spine, 
prostration after — Acet. ac, Ars. iod., Calc. carb., Calc. phos. t 

Carb. veg., China, Phos. ac. 
milk scanty or suppressed — Puis., Urtica ur. 

Nymphomania — 

Calc. phos., Cann. Ind., Ver. a. — Worse before the menses. 

Camph. — When not of long standing. 

Canth. — A physical desire that must be satisfied irrespective 

of color or previous conditions of servitude. 
Hyosc. — Where the trouble is mostly mental and they only 

wish to expose themselves and talk on forbidden subjects. 



COMPARISONS. 147 

Nymphomania — 

Kali brom., Tarent. — When associated with pruritus. 

Murex — Along with prolapsus of the uterus. 

Phos.— With sterility. 

Plat. — Especially puerperal, with extreme sensitiveness or 

numbness of the external genitals. 
Raphan. — With sleeplessness. 
Staph. — During widowhood. 
Stram. — Either menstrual or puerperal. 
Zinc. — With relief while menstruating. 

(Esophagus — 

catarrhal stricture of — Alumina, Kali carb., Senega. 
hysterical spasms — Arg. nit., Asaf., Con., Crot. h., Hydrocy* 
ac, Ign., Lauroc., Plat. 

Old People- 
remedies for — Ambra gr., Ars., Ba. carb., Caps., Carb. an., 

Con., Fluor, ac, Selen. 
cough of— Am. carb., Am. mur., Ant. t., Ba. carb., Carb. veg., 
Con., Bros., Bute, Kreos., Bye, Senega, Sil., Ver. a. 

Orchitis — (see Testicles, orchitis). 

Ovary — 

right — Apis, Ars., Bell., Brachygl., Carb. an., Copaiva, Iod., 

Bye, Mufex, Pallad., Plat., Podo. 
left — Am. brom., Arg. met., Brom., Cim., Per. phos., Graph., 
Bach., Bil. tig., Naja, Therid., Thuja, Ustil., Vespa, Xanth., 
Zinc, Zizia. 
cysts oi—Apis, Bov., Coloc, Iod., Kali brom., Podo., Rhus t. 
induration r. — 

Carb. an. — Feels heavy like a ball. 

Pallad. — Wit^L soreness and shooting pains from the 
navel to the breast, 
neuralgia — Am. brom., Apis, Bell., Cim., Coloc, Per. phos., 
Ign., Kali brom., Bach., Bye, Naja, Pallad., 
Ustil., Xanth., Zinc, Zizia. 



better menstrual flow — Bach., Zinc. 



11 



148 COMPARISONS. 

Ovary — 

ovaritis, r.-sided — Apis, Bell., Iod., Pallad., Plat., Podo. 
1. -sided — Brom., Lack., Thuja. 
with colic — Coloc, Sabad. 
following gonorrhoea — Hep. s., Thuja. 
plug-like pain between r. ovary and uterus — Iod. 
pubis and coccyx — Aloe. 
very sensitive — Apis, Bry., Canth., China, Cim., Con., Lach., 
Lil. tig., Plat, Staph. 

Oxaluria — Kali sulph., Nit. ac, Ox. ac, Rhus t. 

Ozaena — 

Ant. sulph. aur. — Not often used but of value in many cases. 

Aurum — With deep-seated destruction of the tissues, caries 
of the nasal-bone, fetid discharge, boring pains, worse at 
night. 

Calc. carb. — Thick, purulent, fetid discharge, with swelling at 
root of nose and ulceration. 

Elaps — Nares always stuffed up with plugs of dry mucus, 
with pain at root of nose. 

Fluor, ac., Graph., Hep. s., Kali bi., Lach., Lye. — With ulcera- 
tion of the nostrils. 

Hydr. — Of great value, especially with profuse and bloody 
discharge and tendency towards ulceration. 

Merc. corr. — Ulcers in the nose, excoriating discharge, espe- 
cially if there is a thick gluey discharge from the nose, al- 
ways associated with burning pain. 

Merc. v. — With soreness of the bones. 

Mezer. — With burning pain in bones of nose and face. 

Petrol. — Formation of scabs and with cracks in wings of nose. 

Puis. — Y/ith yellow bland discharge, aggravation towards 
evening. 

Pains- 
come and go quickly — Bell., Coloc, Kali bi., Kalmia. 
gradual increase and decrease — Plat., Stan. 
intolerance of — Aeon., Cham., Coff. cr., Colch., Fer., Ign., 
Spig., Zinc. 



COMPARISONS. 149 

Pains- 
shifting — Agar., Bry., Colch., Iod., Kali bi., Kalmia, Led., 
Magnol. gr., Mang., Phyto., Puis. 

Pancreas — 

diseases of — Iod., Phos. 

Paralysis — 

after diphtheria— Apis, Arg. nit., Caust., Con., Gels., Kalmia, 

Naja, Nat. mur., Phos., Zinc. phos. 
of heart — Kalmia, Naja. 
of lungs — (see Chest, paralysis of lungs), 
hysterical — Ars., Ign. 

after a wetting — Dulc, Nux v., Phos., Rhus t. 
Paresis — Agar., Ars., Cim., Hyosc, Merc, v., Nit. ac., Phos., Zinc. 

Pharynx — (refer also to Throat). 
chronic follicular catarrh — 

Mscul. — With rawness, dryness, burning and difficulty 
in swallowing ; frequently associated with haemorrhoids. 
Dubois. — A very pronounced picture of a dry, atrophic 
pharynx, that is dark red and with the follicles promi- 
nent. 
Hydr. — Follicles deep red and irritable, worse from the 

least exposure to cold. 
Kali bi. — With its tough, tenacious mucus. 
Kali carb. — With pain as from a fish-bone on swallowing. 
Phyto. — Bluish color of the pharynx and feeling of aching, 

scraping and rawness. 
Sang. nit. — Rawness and soreness and expectoration of 

blood-streaked mucus. 
Wyethia — Recommended in chronic conditions, pharynx 
dark red, dry and burning, and with frequent inclina- 
tion to clear the throat, it has proved disappointing. 
Phthisis- 
early stage — Ars., Ars. iod., Calc. carb., Calc. phos., Kali carb., 

Phos., Puis., Sulph. 
late stages — Ars., Carbol. ac, Iod., Nat. ars., Sil. (Iod. has, 
seemingly, quite a tonic effect in these cases). 



150 COMPARISONS. 

Phthisis- 
offensive expectoration — (see Expectoration, offensive, of 

phthisis) . 
laryngeal — Ars., Dros., Lauroc, Mang., Nit. ac, Selen., Spong. 

Placenta — 

retained — 

Bell. — From spasmodic constriction of the uterus. 
Gossyp. — Especially after miscarriage. 
Kreos., Sabina, Viscum. 

Pleurisy — 

Aeon., Fer. phos. — In the early stage. 

Asclep. tub. — Follows well after Bryonia, particularly if the 

latter does not help. 
Bry. — Fever, moist skin and thirst. Sharp pains relieved 

by heat and pressure. 
Guaiac. — Pleuritic pains in apex of lungs, especially in con- 
sumption. 
Kali carb. — Chronic pleurisy, with sharp, sticking pains, 
cough and asthmatic breathing, and a general aggravation 
at 3.00 a. m. 
Merc. v. — Occasionally useful in chronic pleurisy, pains worse 

at night and from lying on the r. side. 
Stan. — With knife-like stitches, worse on bending forward, 

and mostly in the 1. side, 
with exudations No. 1. — Bry., Senega — The latter, especially 
after the former has ceased to act. 
No. 2. — Ant. t., Apis, Apoc. can., Ars., Bry., 
Canth., Colch., Convall., Digit, Grind, 
rob., Helleb., Hep. s., Kali iod., Lye, Sen- 
ega, Sulph. 

Pneumonia — 

early stage — 

Aeon. — In the beginning, with its pronounced chill, or 
chilliness and fever, before any pathological change 
has taken place. 



COMPARISONS. 151 

Pneumonia — 

early stage — 

Fer. phos. — First stage when in addition to the high 
fever, we have pressure on the chest as from a heavy 
weight, or as if both hands were pressing downward 
on the chest, making breathing an effort. 

Ver. vir. — Also indicated in the first stage of the disease 
before hepatization has taken place, when along with 
the high fever we have difficulty in breathing and a 
congested, livid condition of the face. 

Bry. — Follows directly after the Aconite condition has 
passed and hepatization has taken place; when the 
restlessness has been superceded by the quiet, afraid- 
to -mo ve-for-f ear-it- will-hurt stage; when the dry skin 
has changed to a moist one, or perhaps to a decided 
perspiration although the fever is just as high; when 
the pains are sharp and cutting, with relief from heat 
and from lying on the affected side. 

Iod. — If you have given Aconite and it has not relieved, 
or if it has relieved only the anxiety and restlessness, 
while the high fever and dry skin continue, Iodine is 
probably your remedy; and it is indicated after hepati- 
zation has taken place, and throughout this stage 
when there are no sharp, cutting pains, 
r.-sided — Chel., Lye, Merc, v., Sang., Senega. 
better lying on the back — Chin, sulph., Sang. 
broncho — 

Am. caust. — With profuse secretions, difficult respira- 
tion and cyanosis. 

Am. mur. — Loud rattling respiration and cough, with 
thick, tenacious expectoration. 

Ant. t. — Of great value and presenting a somewhat simi- 
lar picture to Ipec, having, however, more prostration 
and cold sweat. 

Ars., Ars. iod. — With the anxiety, exhaustion and rest- 
lessness. 

Ant. ars. — With extreme prostration ; the Ant. t. expec- 
toration and the Arsenicum restlessness. 



152 COMPARISONS. 

Pneumonia — 

broncho — 

Ba. carb. — Especially in old people. 

Chel. — When associated with liver troubles. 

Cina — With irritability as the pronounced feature; the 
child screams when approached, screams and talks in 
sleep; swallows after coughing. 

Grind, rob., Grind, squar. — With profuse tenacious secre- 
tions and inability to lie down. 

Hep. s. — Rattling of mucus, easy perspiration and aggra- 
vation from cold air. 

Ipec. — Of frequent use, with loud mucous rales, parox- 
ysmal cough, vomiting and sense of suffocation. 

Lye. — Dyspnoea, worse latter part of the afternoon, 
dilation and contraction of the wings of the nose. 

Phos. ac. — With profuse secretion, or expectoration of 
mucus in small balls. 

Squilla — Much rattling of mucus in chest; paroxysmal 
cough causing sticking in chest and involuntary mictur- 
ition. 

Tereb. — Associated with scanty, bloody urine, 
hypostatic — Sang., Ver. vir. 

Polypi— 

of ear — Calc. carb., Calc. iod., Lye., Phos., Sang., Thuja. 

nose — Calc. carb., Con., Kali bi., Kali nit., Lye., Marum v., 

Merc, bin., Phos., Sang., Sang, nit., Sep. 
uterus — Con., Sang., Thuja. 
bleeding — Con., Thuja. 
Polyuria — (see Urine, increased, polyuria). 

Pott's disease — Calc. carb., Calc. phos., Merc, corr., Phos. ac, 
Phos., Sil., Therid. 

Pregnancy — 

remedies before term — Caul., Puis. 
flatulent colic in — CoccuL, Nux m. 
haemorrhage, post-partum — 

Apoc. can. — With its thirst and vomiting. 



COMPARISONS. 153 

Pregnancy — 

haemorrhage, post-partum — 

Bell. — With gushes of bright red, hot blood. 

Caust. — From inertia of the uterus. 

Carb. veg., China — For the collapsed state after. 

Cinnam. — Especially if the "flow be sudden, profuse, 
and of a bright-red color" (Minton). 

Cham., Thlaspi — Flow dark and clotted. 

Crocus— Flow thick and dark, worse slightest movement. 

Erig. — With painful micturition. 

Ipec. — With persistent nausea, faintness and gasping 
for breath. 

Uva ursi — Said to be quite equal to Ergot. 
haemorrhoids during — Collin., Hydr., Mur. ac. 

after — Apis, Collin., Hamam., Hydr., Podo. 
hair, falling of, after — Carb. veg., Lye, Nat. mur., Sep. 
labor-pains — 

false — Caul., Cim., Ign., Puis., Vib. op. 

inefficient — Caul., Cim., Gels. 

weak from exhaustion — Caul., Caust., Puis. 
after-pains — Am., Cham., Cim., Coff. cr., Cupr., Vib. op., 

Xanth. 
lochia — 

offensive — Bapt., Bell., Chrom. ac, Kreos., Each., Secale 
cor. 

suppressed — Aeon., Bell., Bry., Kali carb., Secale cor. 
mania, puerperal — (see Mania, puerperal), 
melancholia — 

during — China, Nat. mur. 

after — Cim., Helon., Sulph., Zinc. 
miscarriage — (see Abortion). 
nausea and vomiting of — 

Anacard. — Better while eating. 

Apomorph. — With much empty retching. 

Ars. — With its thirst, aggravation from food or drink, 
prostration. 

Asarum — With excessive flatulence and the peculiar 
sensitiveness to sounds of scratching. 



154 COMPARISONS. 

Pregnancy — 

nausea and vomiting of — 

Carbol. ac. — Collapse and desire for stimulants. 

Cim. — Violent retching and palpitation. 

Coccul. — With vertigo and flatulent colic. 

Colch. — With its aggravation from the sight and smell 
of food. 

Cucurbita — "Has been prescribed with alleged benefit 
in vomiting of pregnancy" (Allen). 

Cupr. ars. — Persistent vomiting. 

Cyclam. — Loathing of food, especially meat. 

Digit. — With faintness as if dying. 

Gossyp. — With sensitiveness over the uterine region, 
great prostration and faintness. 

Ign. — Better from eating. 

Ipec. — Persistent vomiting and aversion to all food. 

Iris v. — With profuse ropy saliva. 

Kreos. — With soreness at the pit of the stomach; thirst. 

Lack. — With intolerance of the pressure of the clothes. 

Lobel. — Extreme faintness and sinking at the pit of the 
stomach. 

Mag. carb. — With general sour odor. 

Merc. v. — With profuse salivation. 

Merc. pr. — With heavily coated tongue. 

Nux m. — Better from eating. 

Nux v. — With desire for stimulants. 

Petrol. — The nausea frequently lasts all day; "applica- 
ble to all gastric troubles of pregnant women" (Lilien- 
thal). 

Phos. — Temporarily better from cold drinks. 

Puis. — Aggravation evening and night. 

Sang. — With salivation. 

Sep. — With goneness in the stomach at 11 a. m. 

Sulph. ac. — Better hot drinks. 

Tabac. — With deathly nausea. 

Ver. a. — With thirst and craving for cold, juicy things, 
os rigid — Bell., Caul., Cim., Clem., Gels., Nux v., Ver. vir. 



COMPARISONS. 155 

Pregnancy — 

puerperal — 

convulsions — Aeon., Cedron, Cham., Cicuta, Cupr., Gels., 

Glon., Hyosc., Melilot., Opium, Stram., Ver. vir. 
fever — Bell., Bry., Canth., Kali carb., Lack., Opium, 

Petrol., Rhus t., Secale cor., Ver. vir. 
mania — (see Mania, puerperal), 
placenta retained — (see Placenta, retained), 
salivation of — 

Iod. — Spoken of by Hughes. 

Ipec. — Profuse salivation and necessity to swallow con- 
stantly. 
Iris v. — Where in addition to the burning distress in the 

stomach there is great accumulation of ropy saliva. 
Helon., Jaborandi, Kali iod. — Profuse salivation. 
Merc. v. — Offensive salivation, aphthous stomatitis and 
the well-known flabby tongue which takes the im- 
print of the teeth. 
Petrol. — Salivation associated with constant nausea. 
Sang. — Nausea and vomiting, and constant spitting. 
Sulph. ac. — Constant salivation, feeling of a lump in the 
throat, soreness in the pit of the stomach and great 
thirst, 
toothache during — (see Toothache, worse pregnancy), 
urine retained after labor — Caust., Hyosc, Ign., Nux v., 

Opium. 
intermittent contractions — Caul. 
tonic contractions — Secale cor. 

Prickly heat — Ant. cr. 

Prostate — 

chronic inflammation — Chimaph., Con., Cubeba, Digit., Iod., 

Lye, Pids., Staph., Thuja. 
pain in, with gonorrhoea — Caps., Digit. 
prostatic fluid, flow of, with constipation — Con., Selen. 

Prostration — (refer to Headache, worse using mind, brain-fag), 
mental and physical — Bapt., Carbol. ac, China, Con., Cornus 
dr., Gels., Helon., Hydrocot., Kali phos., Lach., Lye, Nux v., 
Phos. ac, Phos., Pic ac, Selen., Zinc. 



156 COMPARISONS. 

Prostration- 
nervous — Aran., Coccul.. Crocus, Curare, Digit., Ign., Kali 

phos., Lye, Phos. ac, Phos., Pic. ac, Sil., Selen., Stan. 
following severe diseases — 

Alston. — Valuable as a tonic in the debility following 

exhausting fevers. 
Am. — Excessive prostration, with anaemia, after low 

fevers. 
Ars. iod. — Valuable in many conditions of lowered vital- 
ity after exhausting diseases, especially for the pros- 
tration following the grip or tonsillitis. 
Caps., Carh. an., Con. — In old people with, seemingly, 

lack of recuperative power. 
Carb. veg. — Prostration from, or with, exhausting dis- 
eases. 
China — After loss of fluids. 

Chin. ars. — With no tendency toward convalescence. 
Helon. — Debility after diphtheria. 

Hydr. — Retarded convalescence from typhoid, with loss 
of appetite, constipation and profuse sweats of un- 
healthy odor. 
Mur. ac, Selen. — Prostration following typhoid. 
Phos. ac. — With general nervous debility. 
Psor. — Persistent weakness after debilitating diseases, 
depressed in mind and body, 
following diarrhcea — (see Diarrhoea, kind of, exhausting), 
menstruation — (see Menstruation, with exhaus- 
tion), 
nursing — (see Nursing, prostration after), 
sexual excesses — (see Sexual organs, sexual ex- 
cesses, troubles from). 
and low temperature — Am. carb., Ant. t., Camph., Ver. a., 
(refer to Collapse). 

Pruritus — 

Aeon. — In the very beginning. 
Bov. — Worse on getting warm. 



COMPARISONS. 157 

Pruritus — 

Calad. — Allen calls it, "the most efficient remedy in pru- 
ritus of the vulva and vagina." Dearborn says, "espe- 
cially when reflex from the alimentary canal or toxins of 
indigestion. " 

Cann. Ind. — Of great value in many instances ; the worse the 
case the better indicated. 

Canth. — Worse heat, better cold applications. 

Carb. veg., Graph. — Worse preceding menstruation. 

Collin. — With haemorrhoids and constipation, or during 
pregnancy. 

Con. — Following the menses; worse perspiration or washing. 

Cyclam. — Better during menstruation; "itching changing 
from one part to another" (Dearborn). 

Dulc. — "Worse cold- wet weather, or beginning of winter" 
(Dearborn). 

Hydr. — Usually associated with profuse leucorrhcea. 

Kali bi., Kali brom. — With great sexual excitement. 

Kreos. — After menstruation or pregnancy, with offensive 
discharge. 

Menth. p. — "Valuable as a tropical application for pruritus 
of the vagina" (Allen). 

Mezer. — Of old people temporarily better wine or coffee. 

Nat. mur. — "Periodic type, most frequent in late autumn" 
(Dearborn). 

Nat. phos. — "In early life, . . . . ; of young women at the 
menstrual period" (Dearborn). 

Petrol. — During menstruation. 

Plat. — With extreme sensitiveness or numbness of the exter- 
nal genitals. 

Populus cand. — "Better from hot applications" (Dearborn). 

Sulph. — With burning and stinging; intense itching worse 
from perspiration or heat of bed. 

Sulph. ac. — "At climacteric" (Dearborn). 

Tarent. — Intense itching. 

Urtica ur. — Periodic, or due to food, especially shell-fish. 

Zinc. — Worse from wine. 



158 COMPARISONS. 

Pruritus — 

preceding menses — Carb. veg., Graph. 
following menses — Con., Kreos. 

Psoriasis — 

Am. — With a good deal of soreness. 

Ars. — Intense itching, with burning after scratching; itch- 
ing worse from cold and better from heat. 

Hydrocot. — With extensive thickening and exfoliation of 
the epidermis. 

Iris v. — With the gastro-intestinal symptoms of the remedy. 

Lye. — Worse 4-8 p. m., better cold air. 

Mang. — "In females, first appearing about puberty" (Dear- 
born). 

Mezer. — Of the palms, itching worse from heat. 

Nat. ars. — "Itching and burning worse from warmth" (Dear- 
born). 

Petrol. — Of the hands, with fissures, worse cold weather. 

Phyto. — "Begins first on the scalp and spreads downward" 
(Dearborn). 

Sulph. — Burning itching worse from bathing, better from 
scratching. 

Purpura hemorrhagica — Am. carb., Am., Carb. veg., China, 
Chloralum, Crot. h., Hamam., Lach., Nat. mur., Phos., Rhus t. f 
Secale cor., Sulph. ac, Tereb., Viper a t. 

Quinine, antidote to — Ars., Carb. veg., Fer., Ipec, Nat. mur., 

Puis., Sulph., Ver. a. 

Quinsy, to abort, prophylactic — Ba. carb., Hep. s. (the former 
especially as a prophylactic). 

Rectum and anus — 

bleeding at anus from dry stool — Alumina, Mezer., Nat. mur. 
burning at anus — (see Diarrhoea, with burning at anus), 
constriction at anus — 

Alumina, Lach., Lye, Nat. mur., Nux v., Sil. — Constric- 
tion of anus worse on attempting to have stool. 



COMPARISONS. 159 

Rectum and anus — 

constriction at anus — 

Ign., Nux v., Ratan. — Pain and constriction worse after 
stool. 

Nit. ac. — Spasmodic constriction during and after stool, 
with severe tearing pain that continues for a long time 
after. 

Plumb. — Where with the constriction there is a sensation 
of a string pulling the anus into the rectum, 
fissures of the anus — 

Alumina, Nat. mur., Sulph. — With dryness of the mu- 
cous membrane of the rectum, and hard, constipated 
stool causing fissures. 

Calc. phos. — "Fistula ani alternating with chest symp- 
toms" (Hering). 

Caust. — With itching and sticking in anus, pains worse 
walking. 

Graph., Hydr., Petrol., Thuja — With cracks at the junc- 
tion of the skin and mucous membrane, resulting in 
fissures. 

Ign. — Fissures of the anus, without constipation, with 
acute pain shooting upward. 

Lach. — Fistula in the anus, with sensation of little ham- 
mers pecking away at the fissure. 

Nit. ac. — With constant oozing of fetid moisture, stool 
followed by raw smarting, as though the anus were 
filled with broken glass. 

Pasonia, Ratan. — Fissures of the anus, with terrible 
burning pains following the stool. 

Phos. — "Where there is complication with disease of 
the lungs" (Helmuth). 

Rhus t. — When associated with sore, protruding piles. 

Sil. — Fissure of the anus, with very great irritability, 
the partly protruded stool slips in again; "fistula in 
ano with chest symptoms" (Lilienthal). 
itching at anus — JEscul., Ant. cr., Cina, Ign., Nat. mur., Nux 
v., Petrol., Puis., Ruta, Sulph. 



160 COMPARISONS. 

Rectum and anus — 

paralysis sphincter ani — Aloe, Apis, Gels., Phos. 

soft stool passed with difficulty — Anacard., Hep. s., Ign., 

Nux v., Sep., Sil. 
plug in rectum, sensation of — 

Anacard., Lack., Plat., Sep., Sulph. — Sensation of a plug 

in the rectum which cannot be gotten rid of. 
Kali hi. — Sensation of a plug in the anus making it al- 
most impossible to sit down. 
Aloe — Feeling of heavy pressure in the lower part of the 
abdomen, or as of a plug in the pelvis, 
prolapsus of — 

Am., Colch.,Gambog., Merc. v. — With diarrhoea or dysen- 
tery. 
Gels. — From paralysis. 

Hydr., Ign., Mezer., Nux v., Sep. — With constipation. 
Mur. ac. — With haemorrhoids. 

Podo.— With constipation, diarrhoea or dysentery; " be- 
fore" (Dunham) or after stool, or "from a little exer- 
tion" (Lippe). 
Ruta — Easy prolapsus, even with soft stool. 
tenesmus of — (see Diarrhoea, with tenesmus). 

rectum and bladder — Canth., Caps., Digit., Merc, 
corr., Merc. v. 

Religious melancholia — (see Melancholia, religious). 

Renal colic — (see Kidney, colic). 

Restlessness — Aeon., Ant. ars., Ars., Bapt., Bell., Camph., Cham., 
Cim., Coff. cr., Dios., Per., Helon., Hyosc, lod., Kalmia, 
Mag. carb., Mag. phos., Merc, v., Mur. ac, Raphan., Rhus t., 
Secale cor., Sil., Stram., Sulph., Valer., Zinc. 
of feet — Parent., Zinc, Zizia. 
(refer Amelioration, walking). 

Rheumatism — (refer to Gout, Lumbago). 

better cold applications — Led., Puis. 

worse warmth — Led., Lye, Merc v., Puis., Sabina, Sulph,, 
Ver. a. 



COMPARISONS. 161 

Rheumatism — 

worse warmth — 

no relief from sweat— CheL, Merc. v. 
kind of — 

arthritis deformans — Am. phos., Benz. ac, Calc. carb., 

Caul., Caust., Colch., Lye, Merc, v., Rhodo., Sabina. 
r. deltoid — Caust., Mag. carb., Mag. phos., Rhus t., Sang. 
1. deltoid — Cim., Fer., Rhus t. 
extremities — 

feet — Led., Rhodo. 

hands — Am. phos., Ant. cr., Benz. ac, Caul., Lye. 
heels — Colch., Phyto. 
. knee — Asclep. cor., Bry., Calc. carb., CheL, Cim., Fer. 
phos., Iod., Kali iod., Led., Sabina, Sticta. 
small joints — 

Actcea spic, Ant. cr., Colch., Lith. carb.— With 

gastric symptoms. 
Am. phos., Benz. ac, Calc. carb., Caust., Led., 
Lith. carb., Lye, Rhodo., Sabina, Staph. — 
With nodosities. 
Caul. — Especially of the hands, with stiffness 
and cutting pains on closing the hands; par- 
ticularly useful in conjunction with uterine 
or ovarian troubles. 
CheL — With hepatic derangements. 
Fer. phos. — With heat, redness and swelling. 
Kali bi. — ¥/ith wandering pains appearing in 

the spring. 
Led. — Of the fingers, or beginning in the feet 

and extending upward (Sulph.). 
Ruta, Sticta — Especially of the ankles and 
wrists. 
gonorrhceal — Copaiva, Crot. t., Guaiac, Iod., Merc, v., 

Phyto., Puis., Sarsap., Thuja. 
of eye, iritis — Bry., Clem., Colch., Kalmia, Rhus t., Spig., 
Tereb. 



162 COMPARISONS. 

Rheumatism — 

kind of — 

of heart — 

Iod. — Wandering rheumatism which finally at- 
tacks the heart. 

Kalmia — Due, perhaps, to external applications, 
with slow pulse and pains from the heart ex- 
tending down the 1. arm; rheumatism that 
alternates with heart troubles. 

Rhus t. — Rheumatism of the heart the result of 
getting wet. 

Anacard., Colch., Iod. — In rheumatic pericard- 
itis. 

Aurum, Kalmia, Lith. carb., Magnol. gr., Spong. — 
In rheumatic endocarditis. (Lith. carb. of 
value in chronic endocarditis, with soreness 
in the region of the heart, especially worse on 
stooping.) 
jaw — Caust., Rhus t. 
neck — (see Stiff neck, from cold), 
throat — 

Cim. — Probably the most frequently indicated 
remedy in rheumatic sore throat ; there is ag- 
gravation on first using the muscles of the 
throat, after rest, as on waking in the morning, 
beginning of a meal, etc., and the oftener they 
swallow, the easier it becomes. 

Nit. ac. — Rheumatic soreness after severe influ- 
enza, with sharp splinter-like pains on swal- 
lowing. 

Rhus t. — A similar condition to Cimicif., with 
more decided aggravation from damp weather. 

Sang. — Rheumatic soreness of the muscles of the 
palate, especially when following the grip; the 
r. side more affected. 

Wyethia — With great dryness of the. pharynx. 



COMPARISONS. 163 

Rheumatism — 

with — 

cold extremities — Led., Puis., Rhodo. 
alternates with something — 

Kali bi. — According to Lippe, when rheumatic and 

gastric symptoms alternate. 
Kalmia — According to Dunham, for rheumatism 

that alternates with heart troubles. 
Led. — Rheumatism that alternates with haemor- 
rhage from the lungs, 
from below upward — Kalmia, Led., Sulph. 

Rhus poisoning — 

Crot. t. — The remedy that I have used in the majority of cases. 
Grind, rob. — Very efficacious both internally and locally. 
Ipec. — Has been used with good results, both internally and 

locally. 
Sep. — "The best remedy is Sepia" (Dunham). 

R.-sided remedies — Apis, Bell., Caust., Chel., Lye, Phyto., Sang. 

Run-rounds — Apis, Hep. s., Nat. sulph. 

Salivation — Agar., Berb., China, Dulc, Iod., Iris v., Kali iod., 
Merc, corr., Merc, dulc, Merc, v., Nit. ac, Ox. ac, Sang., 
Ver. a. 
of pregnancy — (see Pregnancy, salivation of). 

Salpingitis — Hep. s., Thuja. 

Satyriasis — Cann. Ind., Canth., Onosmod., Pic. ac, Plat. 

Scapula — 

r. pain along — Chel., Chenopod. 
1. pain along — Ran. bulb. 
(refer to Shoulder). 

Sciatica — 

better — 

bending leg — Kali bi. 
flexing leg — Coloc 
lying on affected side — Bry., Coloc. 
12 



164 COMPARISONS. 

Sciatica — 

better — 

pressure — Coloc. 

walking — Kali bi., Valer. 
worse — 

night — Ars., Ign., Kali carb., Kali iod., Salic, ac, Tellur., 
Zinc. 
cannot stay in bed — Ign., Kali carb., Kali iod. 

cold weather — Ign., Kali carb. 

hot weather — Xanth. 

pressure — Bell., Kali bi. 

sitting — Am. mur., Kali bi., Valer. 
of anterior crural nerve — Gnaphal., Xanth. 
with — 

burning pains— Ars., Iris v., Salic, ac. 

restlessness and numbness — Gnaphal., Xanth. 

Scratching — (see Itching). 

Scrotum — 

coldness of — Agnus cast., Caps., Dios., Lye, Sulph. 
eczema of — Crot. t., Hydr., Nat. mur., Petrol., Urtica ur. 

Scarlet fever — 

to develop rash — (see Measles). 
low types — 

Ailant. — Patient is stupid or in deep coma, tip of nose 
and extremities cold, involuntary discharges; with 
this the eruption reappears very slowly after pressure 
and is of a livid hue. 

Am. carb. — With stupor, cyanosis and tendency to 
haemorrhages. 

Arum tri. — With carphology and especially boring into 
the nose and picking at the lips until they bleed. 

BapL, Mur. ac. — With aphthous sore mouth and great 
prostration. 

Crot. h. — With gangrene and haemorrhages. 

Lach. — With intolerance of the pressure of the bed- 
clothes. 

Stram. — With delirium and suppressed urine. 



COMPARISONS. 165 

Scarlet fever — 

deafness after — (see Ear, deafness after exanthemata), 
urine suppressed in — Apis, Colch., Stram. 

Seasickness — 

Apomorph. — Recommended by Dr. Blackman in the 6th 

f both as a prophylactic and for the cure of seasickness. 

Glon. — With the terrible throbbing, bursting headache. 

Petrol.— Valuable as a prophylactic, and for the cure when 
in addition to the nausea and vomiting, we have vertigo 
felt especially in the occiput and aggravated by raising 
the eyeballs, and the occipital headache. 

Tabac. — With deathly nausea. 

Sensation — (see also special parts). 

alive, something, in abdomen — (see Abdomen, sensation, 

something alive in), 
band around — 
body — 

Anacard. — Sensation of a band around body. 

Chel. — As if constricted by a string in umbilical 

region. 
Con. — Band around hypochondria. 
Phos. — Tight band around body and intolerance of 

heat near the back. 
Puis. — The small of the back feels as if bandaged, 
chest — Arg. nit., Cact., Colch., Helleb., Mosch., Nit. ac, 

Phos. 
head — (see Headache, with sensation), 
heart — Amyl nit., Am., Cact., Iod., Lil. tig. 
knees — Anacard., China, Phos., Sil. 
burnt, as if the mouth were — (see Mouth, burnt, scalded 

feeling in), 
cobwebs on face — Alumina, Ba. acet., Borax, Graph. 
ice touching body — Agar., Ver. a. 

coldness in abdomen or stomach — Camph., China, Colch., 
Elaps, Grat., Ox. ac, Petrol., Sulph. ac, Tabac. 
chest — Carb. an., Elaps (Elaps coldness after 
eating). 



166 COMPARISONS. 

Sensation — 

coldness around heart — Camph., Kali bi., Nat. mur., Petrol. 

cold water on head — (see Head, cold water on), 
hot coals in chest — Carb. veg., Kreos. 
pinched or squeezed by pincers, as if the face were — (see Face, 

neuralgia, worse as between screws or pincers), 
plug in rectum — (see Rectum, plug in), 
between pubis and coccyx — Aloe. 
r. ovary and uterus — Iod. 
soreness as if beaten — 

Am. — Complains of the hardness of the bed, or an ach- 
ing soreness over the whole body, with dread of having 
anyone approach or touch him. 
Bapt. — Especially noticeable in the lower extremities. 
Camph., Hydrocot., Led. — General soreness. 
Eupat. per]. — Especially an aching deep in, as if the bones 

were sore. 
Gels., Kalmia — Especially of the neck and shoulders. 
Rhus t. — Soreness of every muscle, better from exercise. 
Ruta — Especially of the wrists and ankles. 

Senile — 

dementia — Anacard., Ba. carb., Calc. carb., Con., Crot. h., 

Hep. s., Lach., Phos. ac. 
gangrene — 

Ars. — With the burning and relief from heat. 
Carb. veg., Lach. — Offensive discharges and bluish ap- 
pearance of the skin. 
Kreos. — With horrible odor and burning pain. 
Secale cor. — With coldness and insensibility of the part 
and aggravation from heat. 

Sensitiveness — (see also special parts). 
to pain — (see Pain, intolerance of). 

touch — Asaf., Bell., China, Per., Rep. s., Lach., Sil., Spig., 
Zinc. 
hyperesthesia, general — Asaf., Asar., Bell., Cham., China, 
Coccul., Coff. cr., Hep. s., Mosch., Nux v., Valer. 



COMPARISONS. 167 

Sexual organs, male — 

continence, troubles from enforced — Con., Staph. 

desire more mental than physical — Agnus cast., Calc. carb., 

Con., Graph., Phos. 
discharge — 

too early — Calc. carb., Con., Graph., Selen., Zinc. 
involuntary, no excitement — 

Alumina — Particularly when straining at stool, and 

especially in old men. 
Arg. met. — No excitement; loss of sexual power. 
Con. — Easy emissions, without apparent reason, fol- 
lowed by tremulous weakness. 
Digit. — Nocturnal seminal emissions without dreams. 
Dios. — Seminal emissions from sexual atony. 
Eryng. aquat. — Seminal emissions without erections, 
day and night, after injuries. Involuntary 
emissions after masturbation. 
Gels. — Great weakness and relaxation of the sexual 

organs, and emissions without erections. 
Phos. ac. — Involuntary emissions; the seminal fluid 

escapes readily after urinating or during sleep. 
Selen. — Seminal discharge thin and without odor; 
seminal discharges when walking; ejaculation too 
easy. 
Zinc. — Seminal emissions without dreams, but with 
hypochondriasis and irritability, 
erectness when lying on the back — Plat., Rhus t. 
excesses, troubles from — 

Arg. nit, Selen. — For the chronic nervous results of over 

indulgence. 
Calc. carb. — With weakness and giving way of the knees. 
Camph., Carb. veg., China, Con., Digit., Phos. ac, Phos., 

Pic. ac. — For the prostration following. 
Kali brom. — With loss of memory and impaired co-ordin- 
ation, numbness and tingling in the limbs. 
Nux v. — For the general bad effects of too early and too 
long continued excesses. 






168 COMPARISONS. 

Sexual organs, male — 

excesses, troubles from — 

Sarsap. — Where sexual indulgence is followed by back- 
ache, or where there is swelling of the spermatic cord 

following sexual excitement. 
Selen. — With weakness in the small of the back, 
masturbation and mental derangement — Ba. carb., 

Staph., Kali brom., Plat. 
venery and mental derangement — Ba. carb., Con., Sep., 

Zinc. 
impotency — 

Agnus cast., Caps., Dios., Lye, Sulph. — With coldness of 

the scrotum. 
Alumina — With involuntary emissions when straining 

at stool. 
Ba. carb. — Diminished sexual desire and premature im- 
potency. 
China, Con., Selen. — When due to sexual excess. 
Digit. — Weakness of the sexual organs, with seminal 

emissions and slow, small, thready pulse, faintness 

and weakness of the extremities. 
Graph. — For sexual debility. A pathogenetic symptom 

reads: "ejaculation does not follow coition in spite of 

every exertion." 
Lye. — Impotency especially in the aged; " falls asleep 

during an embrace; the old man's balm" (Lilienthal). 
Pic. ac. — Loss of power, with threatening paralysis of 

the legs, or with tendency to boils or carbuncles, 
and coldness of the scrotum — Agnus cast., Caps., Dios., 

Lye, Sulph. 
satyriasis — (see Satyriasis). 

Shoulder — 

burning between — Lye, Phos., Robin. 
coldness between — Am. mur., Nat. carb. 
pain along r. scapula — CheL, Chenopod. 
1. scapula — Ran. bulb. 



COMPARISONS. 169 

Shoulder — 

rheumatism of r. deltoid— (see Rheumatism, kind of, del- 
toid). 
1. deltoid — (see Rheumatism, kind of, del- 
toid). 

Skin- 
hot— 

Aeon., Iod. — Hot and dry. 
Bell. — Burning, 
greasy — Nat. mur., Psor., Selen. 
slight injuries suppurate — Graph., Hep. s., Petrol., Sil. 

Sleep — 

convulsions during — (see Convulsions, sleep, during), 
extremities fall asleep — (see Extremities, fall asleep), 
loss of — (see Aggravation, sleep, loss of). 

Sleeplessness — 

Aeon. — Great restlessness and mental anxiety, with or with- 
out fever ; also for those who make up their mind that they 
will not be able to go to sleep. 

Bry. — " Those who worry, not so much about the future, but 
about the cares and troubles of the business of to-day" 
(Talcott). 

Cham. — " Sleeplessness of those who lie awake on account of 
severe pain, such as neuralgia" (Talcott). 

Coff. cr. — Mental anxiety, cannot stop thinking long enough 
to go to sleep ; cannot keep the eyes closed. 

Cyclam. — Dunham tells us that the patient has difficulty in 
going to sleep, that he wakes early in the morning unre- 
freshed, cannot go to sleep again but feels too weak to get 
up. 

Gels. — " Insomnia of brain-workers, of business men, or for 
those who have suddenly become exhausted by work or 
worry, or both" (Talcott). 



170 COMPARISONS. 

Sleeplessness — 

Hyosc. — With great restlessness; " sleeplessness without ap- 
parent cause, save that the nervous system has become 
depleted" (Talcott). 

Ign. — " Sleeplessness due to grief or bad news of any sort" 
(Talcott). 

Kali carb. — Sleeplessness after 1-2 a. m. 

Nux v. — Tired to death when he goes to bed and falls asleep 
right away ; wakes early and much refreshed ; takes another 
nap and wakes feeling like the devil. 

Opium — " Sleeplessness from extreme sensitiveness of the 
special senses" (Talcott); light sleepers where the least 
noise wakens them and they are unable to get to sleep 
again. 

Phos. — "The patient wakes many times during the night, but 
falls asleep easily" (Talcott). 

Plat. — Sleeplessness, with extreme nervous excitement, due 
to "hysteria and ovarian irritation" (Lilienthal). 

Puis. — It is a long time before she can get asleep ; she is rest- 
less, turns her pillow over to find a cool place, then throws 
off some of the covers on account of the heat, then lies 
awake wondering whether she will not catch cold if she does 
not pull them over her again. 

Sulph. — Sleepiness during the day, sleeplessness at night; 
soles of feet burn and she must cool them off against the 
wall. 

drunkards — (from Talcott) 
Gels. — For acute drunks. 
Nux v., Cim. — For long drunks. 
Opium — For very long drunks. 

Ars. — When the drunk has continued until great ex- 
haustion, emaciation, and restlessness follow. 

Smallpox — 

to lessen pitting — Ant. t., Thuja. 

Smell- 
loss of — Alumina, Am. mur., Elaps, Ipec, Nat. carb., Nat. 
mur., Puis. 



COMPARISONS. 171 

Smell- 
loss of smell and taste — Nat. carb. 
aversion to smell of — 

coffee — Fluor, ac, Nux v., Sulph. ac. 

flowers — Graph. 

food — Ars., Coccul., Colch., Nux v. 

strong odors — Colch., Nux v. 
sour, of body and stools — 

Calc. carb. — With' its profuse, sour perspiration and 
large, undigested, sour stools. 

Dulc. — Sour stools, aggravation from cold, wet weather. 

Hep. s. — Sour stools and sour sweat. 

Mag. carb. — Sourness of everything. 

Mezer. — Diarrhcea of sour and undigested stools. 

Nat. carb. — Watery and sour smelling stools, worse from 
milk. 

Nat. phos. — Acid and sour vomiting and diarrhcea. 

Rheum — Stools excoriating, brown, frothy or fermented 
and sour, especially during teething; the whole body 
smells sour. 

Sulph. ac. — YeUow stools looking like chopped or 
scrambled eggs and smelling as if the cook had for- 
gotten them in their youth, with general sour odor of 
the whole body, 
smells — 

bad eggs — Calc. carb. 

filth — Anacard. 

Soles — (see Extremities, soles). 

Soreness — (see Sensation, soreness as if beaten). 

Spermatic cord — 

neuralgia of — Berb., Clem., Ox. ac. 

Spine — 

formication — (see Formication). 

irritability of — 

Agar. — Extreme sensitiveness of the spine to touch, 
most severe in the upper dorsal region. 



172 COMPARISONS. 

Spine — 

irritability of — 

Anacard. — Sensation of a plug pressing on the spine. 

Bell. — Where pressure upon the dorsal vertebrae causes 
distress in the stomach, or violent cough and flushed 
face. 

China — Extreme sensitiveness, especially in the dorsal 
region, the pain shooting up to the head when the 
spine is touched. 

Chin, sulph. — There is great sensitiveness in the region 
of the first dorsal vertebra, the pain extending towards 
the head and apt to recur periodically. 

Cim. — The cervical and upper dorsal vertebrae particu- 
larly sensitive to pressure (Lach.). 

Coccul. — With great hypersesthesia of all the senses. 

Cupr. — With violent paroxysmal pain and extreme sen- 
sitiveness of the whole length of the spine. 

Hyper. — Great sensitiveness to touch and paroxysmal 
pain. 

Nux v. — With loss of power in the extremities, which 
go to sleep easily. 

Ox. ac. — With numbness of the whole body and weakness 
in back and limbs. 

Paris quad. — With pain about the sixth cervical ver- 
tebra, extending upward and downward. 

Phos. — With burning between scapulae. 

Puis. — Where the small of the back feels as if bandaged. 

Secale cor. — Pressure on the spine causes pain all 
through the chest. 

Sil. — Where pressure on the spine causes pain in remote 
parts, especially in the head. 

Tarent. — The slightest touch on the spine causes spas- 
modic pains in the chest. 

Zinc. — Sensitiveness of the whole spine but especially 
of the last dorsal vertebra, the symptoms worse when 
sitting still and from stimulants. 



COMPARISONS. 173 

Spleen — 

enlargement of — Aran., Ars., Ceanoth., China, Chin, ars., 
Chin, sulph., Cornus dr., Cornus flor., lod., Lye, Phos. ac, 
Phos., Plumb., Sulph., Sulph. ac. 

Sprains — Am. mur., Carb. an., Rhus t, Ruta. 

Strains — 

Am. — Muscular soreness from over-exertion. 

Ars. — Stiffness of knees after unaccustomed strain on them, 

such as kneeling, squatting, climbing mountains, or stairs 

on the return home after a summer on a farm. 
Carb. an. — "Easy straining" (Lippe). 
Cim. — Symptoms similar to those of Rhus L; especially for 

strains resulting from lifting or stooping. 
Rhus t. — Especially from over-exercising, lifting, stooping 

or from working in water. 
Ruta — General lameness, especially of wrists and ankles after 

strains; synovitis from strains. 

Sterility— 

Aurum — With lowered vitality of the parts, especially when 
the longing for children has caused a decided melancholia, 
with constant dwelling on the subject. 

Aurum mur. nat. — For sterility when associated with chronic 
leucorrhcea, with spasmodic contraction of the muscles 
of the vagina, which latter may be the cause of the sterility. 

Phos. — With nymphomania. 

Sternum — 

pain behind on swallowing — 

Cupr. — Spasm of the oesophagus, with spasmodic cough 
and intense pain behind the sternum on attempting 
to swallow. 
Ver. a. — Pain in the region of the sternum after eating 
or drinking, 
rawness behind on coughing — Ammoniacum, Caust., Osmium, 
Sang. nit. 



174 COMPARISONS. 

Stiff Neck, from cold — 

Bell., Canst. — Worse r. side. 

Calc. phos. — From any draft. 

Cim. — Worse 1. side. 

Dulc, Phyto., Rhus, t — When caused by cold-wet. 

Guaiac. — " Stiff neck from cold, muscles of spine and shoulders 

affected 7 ' (Hering). 
Nux v. — With head drawn to one side. 

Stomach — 

better — 

bending double — Colch., Coloc, Dios., Mag. carb., Mag. 
phos., Nat. sulph., Petrol., Rhus t. 
backward — Bell., Dios., Kalmia. 
cold — 

water — Bismuth, Phos. 
food — Merc. corr. 
eating — 

Anacard. — Dyspepsia or morning sickness of preg- 
nancy, relieved by eating but the symptoms soon 
return. 
Calc. phos. — Dyspepsia, with indescribable distress 
in the region of the stomach, only temporarily 
better from eating. 
Cbel. — Gastric disturbances relieved temporarily by 
eating, with preference for hot drinks and hot 
food (Cupr.). 
Graph. — Gastralgia better from eating; also gas- 
tralgia coming on some hours after eating, better 
from warm milk. 
Ign. — The gastric symptoms are generally better 
from eating and worse from pressure; there is an 
aversion to ordinary diet, and longing for all sorts 
of indigestible food, has to get up at night to eat ; 
often attended with sighing. 
Iod. — The mental and chest symptoms as well as 
the ravenous hunger, are relieved for a short time 
after eating. 



COMPARISONS. 175 

Stomach — 

better — 

eating — 

Mezer. — Burning in the stomach, temporarily better 

from eating, hence constant desire to eat. 
Oleand. — Food does not satisfy for long and there 

is a desire to eat soon after a meal. 
Petrol. — Dyspepsia temporarily relieved by eating. 
Puis. — Sensation of a " weight in epigastrium an 
hour after eating, better by eating again" (Her- 
ing). 
Rhodo. — (not strictly a stomach pain) Chronic pain 
in the 1. side under the short ribs, better from 
eating. 
Sabad. — The gastric symptoms are characterized 
by an absence of thirst, longing for sweets and 
general relief after eating. 
Sang. — Nausea relieved by eating. 
Sep. — Atonic dyspepsia, with amenorrhcea, the 
nausea and vomiting generally better from eat- 
ing and lying down. 
Sulph., Nat. carb. — Weakness and goneness in the 
stomach at 11 a. m., better from eating, 
eructations — Arg. nit, Calc. phos., Carb. veg., Coloc, 

Dios., Lye, Mag. mur., Plumb. 
flatus, passing — Calc. phos., Carb. veg., Coccul., Coloc. 
hot food — Chel., Cupr., Graph. 
pressure, hard — Cina, Coloc, Dios., Mag. phos., Nux v., 

Plumb., Stan. 
sweets, desire for — Arg. nit., Sabad. (Arg. nit. has a 
craving for and distress after sweets). 
worse — 

11 a.m., goneness — 

Nat. carb., Sulph. — With relief from eating. 
Sep. — Inclination for food but eating does not re- 
lieve the sensation of goneness. 
Zinc. — Goneness at 11 a.m., with aggravation from 
wine. 



176 COMPARISONS. 

Stomach — 

worse — 

midnight, about — 
Ars. — 1-2 a. m. 

Coccul. — Attacks of gastralgia about midnight. 
Kali carb. — 3-4 a. m. 
at regular intervals — 

Coloc.j Dios. — At regular intervals. 
Coccul. — Flatulent colic coming on about midnight. 
Kalmia — Gastralgia coming on in sudden paroxysms, 
in paroxysms — Bell., Coloc, Dios., Kalmia. 
acids — Ant. cr., Fer. phos., Selen. 
alcohol or wine — Ant. cr., Lack.. Zinc. 
drunkards No. 1 — 

Nux v. — Habits not very steady, drunk 

occasionally. 
Sulph. ac. — Habits steady, drunk regu- 
larly. 
No. 2.— 

Arg. nit., Crot. h., Lack. — Gastritis of 

drunkards. 
Cadmium sulph.. Carbol. ac. — Persis- 
tent vomiting of drunkards. 
Fluor, ac. — Bilious vomiting and diar- 
rhoea, a desire for highly seasoned 
food and an aversion to coffee. 
Kali hi. — Nausea and vomiting of 
drunkards and especially for dys- 
pepsia from the use of malt liquors. 
Nux v. — Usually the first remedy that 
you will think of in the gastric 
troubles of the habitual user of alco- 
holic stimulants or of patent medi- 
cines. 
Selen. — Headache and gastric symp- 
toms the result of a debauch, better 
from additional alcohol for which 
there is a craving for its stimulating 
effects. 



COMPARISONS. 177 

Stomach — 

worse — 

alcohol or wine — 

drunkards No. 2 — 

Sulph. ac. — Useful for the dyspepsia 
caused by alcohol when there is a 
persistent bad breath and a craving 
for stimulants. 
Zingib. — Vomiting of old drunkards; 
feeling of a stone in the stomach, 
bad breath and bad taste, 
anger — Cham., Coloc, Nux m., Staph. 
cold drinks, ice-water — 

Ars., Kali carb. — Gastritis from. 
Elaps — Distress from. 
Staph. — Colic from, 
coffee — Fluor, ac, Nux v., Sulph. ac. 
eating — 

everything seems to be converted into gas — Carb. 

veg., Coccul., Kali carb., Lye, Nux m. 
time table — 

before eating — China, Lye. — Constant satiety, 
feels full before he has eaten anything and 
cannot eat. 
while eating — Cyclam., Fer., Kali carb., Lye, 

Nux m., Oleand., Sulph. 
on leaving the table — Apoc. can., Arg. nit, 
China, Graph., Mag. mur., Nat. carb., Nux v. 
soon after eating — Berb., Cole, phos., Coccul., 

Dios., Myrica, Robin., Rumex, Sep. 
i hour after eating — Carb. veg., Phos. ac. 

1 hour after eating — Carb. veg., Kali bi., Puis. 

2 hours after eating — Anacard. 
several hours after eating — Graph. 

fat foods — Ant. cr., Carb. veg., Cyclam., Graph., Hep. s. f 

Kali mur., Nat. carb., Petrol., Puis. 
hot foods, aversion to — Calc. carb., Merc. corr. 



178 COMPARISONS. 

Stomach — 

worse — 

warm drinks — Bry., Phos. 
mixed foods — Ant. cr., Arg. nit, Ipec, Nux v. 
injudicious eating — Ant. cr., Arg. nit., Ipec, Nux v. 
menstruation — Cham., Coccul., Coloc, Kali carb., Mag. 

phos., Nat. mur., Puis., Secale cor., Vib. op. 
suppression of menses — Am. mur., Coccul., Kali 

carb., Lye. 
milk — (see Aggravation, food and drink, milk), 
least motion — Bry., Cupr., Kali carb., Rumex. 
pregnancy — Am. mur., Coccul., Nux m. 
sight of food ] 

— (see under Aggravation, food or 
drink). 



smell of food 
starchy food j 
sweets 
tea drinking J 
kind of — 

acid secretions — Iris v., Robin. 

dyspepsia — JEthusa, Calc. carb., Calc. phos., Carb. 
veg., Caust., China, Con., Cyclam., Graph., Hydr., 
Iris v., Kali bi., Kali carb., Lith. carb., Lye, Mag. 
carb., Mag. mur., Nat. carb., Nat. mur., Nat. phos., 
Nat. sulph., Nux v., Petrol., Phos. ac, Podo., Puis., 
Robin., Sep., Sulph., Sulph ac. 
atonic dyspepsia — Aletris, Carb. veg., China, Crot. h., 
Hydr., Kali carb., Lye, Nux v., Oleand., Phos., Puis., 
Sep., Sulph., Zinc. 
burning in — Ars., Bell., Bismuth, Carb. veg., Colch., Hydr., 
Iris v., Lye, Merc, corr., Merc, v., Mezer., Phos., Robin., 
Sang., Secale cor., Uran. nit., Ver. a. 
cancer — Ars., Bismuth, Carbol. ac, Con., Hydr., Lye 

Robin., Sep. 
catarrh of — JEthusa, Ant. cr., Ars., Bism^uth, Chel., China, 

Graph., Hydr., Kali bi., Mag. carb., Puis., Sulph. 
coldness of — Camph., China, Colch., Elaps, Grat., Ox. ac, 
Petrol., Sulph. ac, Tabac 



COMPARISONS. 179 

Stomach — 

kind of — 

goneness, sinking in — Calc. phos., Carb. an., Coccul, 
Digit., Fer., Gels., Hydr., Ign., Ipec, Kali 
carb., Lobel., Nat. carb., Nat. mur., Petrol., 
Phos., Podo., Sep., Staph., Sulph., Tabac, 
Ver. a., Zinc. 
at 11 a. M. — 

Nat. carb., Sulph. — Relieved by eating. 
Sep. — No relief from eating. 
Zinc. — With aggravation from wine, 
heartburn — Berb., Bry., Calc. phos., China, Con., Graph., 
Kali carb., Lye, Mag. carb., Nat. carb., Nat. mur., 
Nat. sulph., Nux v., Puis., Sep. 
waterbrash — China, Lye, Nat. carb., Nat. mur., Nux v., 

Puis., Sulph. 
lump in, after eating — 

Abies nig. — Feeling of a hard-boiled egg. 

Arg. nit. — Sensation of a stone, with ineffectual 

efforts to eructate. 
Bismuth — Eructations and burning pains, with a 
feeling of a load or hard lump in the stomach; 
the pains extend from the stomach back to the 
spine. 
Bry. — Food seems to lie like a lump or load in the 
stomach, with sensitiveness of the epigastric 
region to touch. 
Gels. — No thirst; either a sensation of emptiness 
and weakness in the stomach, or a feeling of a 
heavy load lying there. 
Kali carb. — Bloating, sour eructations, heartburn 
and a feeling of a lump in the pit of the stomach. 
Nux m. — Dyspepsia, distress appearing while the 
patient is eating, feeling as if the food formed 
hard lumps, with soreness in the stomach. 
Nux v. — Pain in epigastrium as from a stone, in the 
morning or immediately after eating. 
13 



180 COMPARISONS. 

Stomach — 

kind of — 

lump in after eating — 

Puis. — The sensation of a lump is more in the lower 
end of the oesophagus, as if the food had lodged 
there. 
Robin. — Acid dyspepsia and sour eructations, con- 
stant feeling of weight in the stomach. 
Zingib. — Especially in the vomiting of drunkards, 
with heavy feeling like a stone in the stomach, 
pains — 

paroxysmal — Bell., Coloc, Dios., Kalmia. 
at regular intervals — 

Coloc, Dios. — Aggravation at regular intervals. 
Coccul. — Flatulent colic coming on about mid- 
night. 
Kalmia — Gastralgia coming on in sudden par- 
oxysms. 
as if rubbed between stones — Coccul., Coloc. 
to arms — 

Dios. — Gastralgia, with severe cutting or 
cramplike pains extending from the 
stomach, along the sternum and into both 
arms. 
Tabac. — Gastralgia, pain starting from the 
cardiac end of the stomach and extending 
to the 1. arm. 
chest — Arg. nit., Coloc, Dios., Nux v., Petrol., 
Robin., Rumex. 
going backward — 

Bell. — "Pain in stomach extending through to 

spine, between shoulders" (Hering). 
Bismuth — Severe pain which extends from the 

stomach, through the body to the spine. 
Calc phos. — Dyspepsia, pain better for a short 
time by raising wind; when fasting the pain 
goes to the spine. 



COMPARISONS. 181 

Stomach — 

kind of — 
pains — 

going backward — 

Carb. veg., Phos. — Burning heat in the stomach, 

extending to the back. 
Chel. — Violent pains in the region of the sto- 
mach, going through to back and r. shoulder- 
blade, or over towards the liver. 
Cupr. — Cutting pain going through to back as 
if it would transfix stomach to spine, and 
preventing the slightest motion. 
Dios. — Most terrible flatulent colic, pains 
radiate from the abdomen to the back, into 
the chest and arms. 
Plat. — Lead colic, with pains extending to back. 
Plumb. — Terrible colic, with retraction of the 
abdomen, which seems to adhere to the 
spine, better from hard pressure. 
Robin. — Lancinating pains to chest or to top 

of shoulder-blade. 
Rumex — Gastralgia, aching extending through 
to back, obliged to take a long breath; any 
motion brings on the pains, 
palpitation after eating — (see Heart, palpitation from 

eating), 
pulsation in — Asaf., Crot. h., Hydr., Kali carb., Oleand., 

Sep., Spig. 
ulcer — Arg. nit., Ars., Crot. h., Hydr., Kali bi., Mezer., 
Phos., Sang., Uran. nit. 
with — 

aphthous stomatitis — (see Mouth, apthae). 
burning in — (see Stomach, kind of, burning), 
coldness of — (see Stomach, kind of, coldness), 
eructations — 

difficult to raise — Calc. phos., Carb. veg. 
no relief from — Arg. nit., China. 



182 COMPARISONS. 

Stomach — 

with — 

eructations — 

everything seems to be converted into gas — Carb. 

veg., CoccuL, Kali carb., Lye, Nux m. 
like rotten eggs — Ant. L, Am., Hep. s., Psor., Staph., 

Sulph. 
sour — (see Stomach, kind of, acid dyspepsia), 
with cough — (see Cough, with eructations), 
convulsions from indigestion — 

Absinth. — Prolonged and successive spasms. 
JEihusa — Has arrested convulsions which were due 

to indigestion. 
Chel. — Convulsions preceded by mental heaviness 

and sleepiness. 
Cicuta — Tonic convulsions, with violent opisthot- 
onos; may be renewed by touch, noise or jar, and 
are always followed by great exhaustion. 
Nux v. — Often a palliative in epileptiform convul- 
sions, especially when brought on by indigestion, 
cough — (see Cough, with indigestion). 
headache, gastric — Ant. cr., Arg. nit., Bry., Chel., Coccul., 
Cyclam., Euonym., Fer. phos., Ipec, Iris v., Nux m., 
Nux v., Puis., Robin., Sang. 
heart, palpitation of, after eating — (see Heart, palpita- 
tion after eating), 
menstrual colic — (see Stomach, worse, menstruation), 
flatulent colic from suppression of menses — (see 
Stomach, worse, menstruation), 
pregnancy, flatulent colic of — (see Stomach, worse, 
pregnancy). 

Stone, tendency to formation of, in bladder — Hydrang., Lye. 

Strains — (see after Sprains). 

Stupor, difficult to rouse — Apis, Am., Helleb., Opium. 

Stuttering — Bell, Merc, v., Stram. 



COMPARISONS. 183 

Styes- 
prophylactic — Puis., Staph. 
to hasten suppuration — Calc. pic, Hep. s. 

Subsultus tendinum — Arum tri., Camph., Chlorum, Cim., 
Hyosc, Opium, Zinc. 

Suicide — 

No. 1 — Ars., Kali brom., Zinc. 
No. 2.— Ars.— Will take his life. 

Aurum — Talks of it but is afraid to. 

Sun-stroke — (see Headache, worse, sun), 
vertigo from the sun — Agar., Nat. carb. 

Suppuration — 

Hep. s., Sil. — Both are useful in the suppurative process and 
both have aggravation from cold and relief from warmth 
and hot applications, but Hep. s. has rich, thick, creamy- 
pus, while in Sil. it is thin, bloody or like bloody water, 
from slight injuries — Graph., Hep. s., Petrol., Sil. 
long lasting — Carb. veg., Sil. 
to promote — 

Am. — " Boils and abscesses which have partially ma- 
tured but which instead of discharging begin to shrivel 
up by reason of absorption of the contained pus. 
Arnica given now internally and applied externally, 
re-develops the abscess" (Farrington). 
Hep. s. — When given low, below the 3d, it will hasten 

the process. 
Merc. v. — Is similar to Hep. s. to promote suppuration, 
but with this particular differentiation, that under 
Merc. v. there is nocturnal aggravation, 
hectic fever after — Carb. veg., Sil. 

Swallowing — 

worse empty — Ba. carb., Graph., Ign., Lack., Merc, pr., Sulph. 
cannot swallow liquids — Bell., Stram. 

regurgitation of drink — Bell., Canth., Carbol. ac, Lach., Lye, 
Merc, corr., Merc, v., Sulph. ac. 



184 COMPARISONS. 

Swallowing — 

gurgling when — Cupr., Hydrocy. ac, Lauroc. 
causes pain behind sternum — 

Cupr. — Spasmodic cough and intense pain 
behind the sternum on attempting to 
swallow. 
Ver. a. — Pain in the region of the sternum 
after eating or drinking, 
to ears — Bell., Gels., Hep. s., Lack., Petrol., Phyto. 
in throat — (see Throat). 

Swearing, including temper — 

Anacard. — As the result of mental disease, a state of ex- 
cessive anger at slight offense, or where he takes everything 
in bad part and becomes violent, with an irresistible desire 
to curse and swear. 

Aurum — The patient is peevish and with vehement wrath 
at the least contradiction. 

Cham. — She stamps her feet and screams from pain or tem- 
per ; ready to swear but has never learned the words. 

Cina, Staph. — Especially in children who have a limited sup- 
ply of expressions to call upon in time of need, so in the 
former they throw things at you, while in the latter they 
place your gifts in the fire. 

Colch. — For a male patient; one who has dined and wined; 
touch his gouty toe and hear what a vocabulary he has. 

Ign. — For women, whose actions speak louder than words, 
or as one symptom reads, " tendency to scream, or to tear, 
or to bite." 

Nit. ac. — According to Farrington, is only of benefit if there 
has been an abuse of mercury. 

Nux v. — Generally of a fiery and excitable temperament. 

Sulph. — Irritable; quarrelsome. 

Ver. a. — Has swearing mentioned prominently in the Hand- 
book. Talcott says in addition, that in religious melan- 
cholia, "they pray and curse in alternation for many hours 



COMPARISONS. 185 

Sweat — 

worse from — Fer., Fer. phos., Merc, v., Opium. 
no relief from, in rheumatism — CheL, Merc. v. 
on falling asleep — Con. 

waking — Sambu. 
night-sweats, in chest conditions — Agar., Ars. iod., Calc. 
carb., Calc. iod., Calc. phos., Carb. an., China, Fer., Iod., 
Kali iod., Lye, Merc, v., Nat. ars., Psor., Sil. 
easy — Ant. cr., Calc. carb., Hep. s., Merc, v., Psor., Sil. 

with cough — Ant. t., Hep. s. 
cold with cough — Ant. t., Ars., Dros., Hep. s., Ver. a., Ver. 
vir. 
heart — Cact., Carb. veg., Digit., Secale cor., Spig., 

Tabac, Ver. a. 
vomiting — Ant. t., Ars., Camph., Carbol. ac, Cupr., 
Dios., Lobel., Puis., Secale cor., Tabac, Ver. a. 
on face — Ant. t., Ars., Ver. a. 
on head in children — 

Calc. carb. — Profuse sweat of the head when sleeping, 
especially on the back of the head ; it may be sour but 
it is not offensive. 
Sil. — Sweat profuse, offensive and sour-smelling, es- 
pecially noticeable when sleeping, and is generally 
on the forehead and whole head and down the neck, 
fetid of feet — 

Ant. cr. — "Without odor" (Dearborn). 

Ba. carb. — Fetid foot-sweats with soreness of the toes and 

soles. 
Calc. carb. — Profuse perspiration of the feet, stockings 
always damp; often found in the fair, fat and flabby 
patient. "The sweat does not make the feet sore or 
raw" (Farrington). 
Nit. ac. — Foul-smelling perspiration of the feet, causing 
soreness of the toes and balls of the feet, with sticking 
pains as if walking on pins. 
Petrol. — Valuable for fetid perspiration, especially of 
the axilla and feet, with great tenderness of the latter 
from being kept so constantly moist. 



186 COMPARISONS. 

Sweat — 

fetid of feet — 

Sep. — Better from cold bathing. 

Sil. — Offensive sweat of the feet, with soreness between 
the toes ; often with profuse sweat of the head. Use- 
ful for troubles arising from the sudden suppression of 
habitual sweating of the feet. 
Thuja — Extremely fetid sweat of the feet. 
never sweats — Kali carb., Nux m. 

Syphilis — Asaf., Aurum, Fluor, ac, Guaiac, Kali hi., Merc, bin., 
■ Merc, pr., Mezer., Nit. ac, Petrol., Phyto., Plat, mur., Sar- 

sap., Staph., Stillingia, Thuja. 
headache, syphilitic — Phyto., Sarsap., Thuja. 
iritis, syphilitic — Asaf., Aurum, Clem., Iod., Kali hi., Merc. 

pr., Nit. ac, Sulph., Thuja. 

Taste— 

Bismuth, Ars., Coccul., Cocc. c, Cupr., Merc, corr., Merc, v., 

Nux v., Plumb., Sulph. — Metallic. 
Bry., Chel., Sulph. — Bitter. 
Cyclam. — Salt. 

Nux v. — Bad, sour, with all sorts of variations. 
Puis. — Insipid, greasy, with nausea at the thought of fried 

food or pastry. 
Sulph. — Vinegary, especially after drinking milk. 
and smell lost — (see Smell, loss of and taste). 

Tea-drinking, bad effects from — (see Aggravation, food 
and drink, tea; Heart, kind of, tea). 

Teeth- 
abscesses at roots — Hep. s., Merc, v., SiZ. 
grow black — Kreos., Merc, v., Staph. 

and decay — Kreos., Staph. 
decay — Cole fluor., Calc phos., Carb. veg., Fluor, ac, Kreos., 

Staph., Thuja. 
come late and decay early — Calc. carb., Calc. fluor., Calc. phos. 



COMPARISONS. 187 

Teeth- 
dental fistula — Calc. fluor., Caust., Fluor, ac, Phos., SiL, 

Staph. 
grinding of — Cina, Crot. h., Podo. 
haemorrhage after pulling — Am., Phos. 
feel too long — Ars., Caust., Clem., Lye, Merc, v., Mezer. 
looseness of — Caust., Hep. s., Merc, v., Nit. ac. 
teething — 

with diarrhoea — (see Diarrhcea, worse, during teething), 
difficult of children — Bell., Cham., Gels., Ign., Kreos., 
Podo., Zinc. 
toothache — 
better — 

drawing in cold air — Clem., Mezer., Puis., Sep. 
cold drinks — Bry., Cham., Clem., Coff. cr., Mag. 

carb., Nat. sulph., Puis. 
eating — Ambra gr., Rhodo., Spig. 
heat — Ars., Mag. phos., Nux v., Puis., Rhodo., 

Rhus t. 
hard, worse light pressure — Bell., China, Staph. 
walking about — Puis., Raphan. 
worse — 

open air and cold air — Agar., Calc. carb., Caust., 
Hep. s., Mag. carb., Nux v., Rhodo., Rhus t., SiL, 
Spig., Staph. 
taking cold — Aeon., Calc. carb., Caust., Nux v., 

Piper m., Rhodo. 
cold water— A nt. cr., Calc. carb., Hep. s., Lach., 

Nux v., Spig., Staph., Thuja. 
in decayed teeth — Kreos., Mezer., Plant., Thuja. 
after eating — Ant. cr., Bismuth, Kali carb., Lach., 

Lye, Nux v. 
heat — 

warmth of bed — Cham., Clem., Mag. carb., 

Merc, v., Puis. 
warm drinks — Cham., Lach., Puis. 
menstruation — Lach., Sep., Staph. 



188 COMPARISONS. 

Teeth- 
toothache — 
worse — 

pregnancy — Calc. carb., Mag. carb., Nux m., Staph. 
Puis., Sep. — Better open air. 
Raphan. — During the earlier months, 
light, better hard pressure — Bell., China, Staph. 
smoking — Clem., Sep., Spig. 
wet weather — Aran., Dulc, Rhodo. 

Testicles- 
atrophy of — 

Aurum — In boys, with low spirits and pining condition. 
Caps. — In impotency, with coldness of the scrotum and 

tendency to atrophy of the testicles. 
Iod., Kali iod. — With general emaciation, 
epididimitis — Puis., Rhodo. 
hard — 

Am. — As the result of injury, with great soreness. 
Aurum — The result of a chronic inflammation, with 

severe pain, worse at night. 
Con. — Testicles enlarged and very hard, especially as 

the result of injuries. 
Copaiva — The result of a suppressed gonorrhoea. 
Rhodo. — With a feeling as though they were being 
crushed, 
neuralgia of — Berb., Puis., Zinc. 
orchitis — Clem., Hamam., Merc, v., Puis., Rhodo. 
worse heat — Clem., Puis. 

from suppressed gonorrhoea — Clem., Copaiva, Puis., 
Spong. 
mumps — Jaborandi, Puis., Staph. 
pain as if crushed — Arg. met., Rhodo., Spong., Staph. 

from kidney to — (see Kidney, pain to testicles). 
swollen — Apis, Am., Aurum, Clem., Cinnab., Con., Copaiva, 
Cubeba, Hamam., Iod., Merc, v., Nit. ac, Phos. ac, Puis., 
Rhodo., Spong. 



COMPARISONS. 189 

Tetanus — Aeon., Bell., Cicuta, Crot. h., Hydroey. ac, Hyosc, 
Hyper., Lauroc, Physos. 

Thirstless remedies — Apis, Bell, Cyclam., Gels., Puis. 

Throat- 
worse — 

cold air — 

Cistus — Dryness worse. 

Fluor, ac. — Syphilitic ulcerations sensitive to. 

Hep. s. — General sensitiveness to. 

Hydr. — Follicular pharyngitis, increased irritation 

from. 
Kali carb. — Chronic atrophic catarrh, sticking as 

from a fish-bone. 
Nux v. — Rawness noticed on breathing cold air. 
kind of and with — 

ball, etc., rising into throat — 

Asaf., Ign. — Better from swallowing. 
Con. — Spasmodic constriction of the stomach and 
oesophagus, as if a round body ascended from the 
stomach. 
Gels. — "Lump in throat which cannot be swallowed" 

(Hering). 
Lye., Mag. mur., Nux m., Sep. — With flatulent dis- 
tention. 
Mosch. — With feeling of suffocation. 
Plat. — Resulting from any nervous excitement. 
Plumb. — Sensation of ball rising from throat into 

the head, associated with headache. 
Valer. — Sensation of something warm rising from 

stomach to throat. 
Zinc. — Very restless, fidgety. 

Zinc, valer. — A valuable remedy for globus hyste- 
ricus, 
breathing impeded from sensation of plug — (see Breath- 
ing, impeded), 
catarrh — (see Pharynx, chronic follicular catarrh). 



190 COMPARISONS. 

Throat- 
kind of and with — 
constriction of — 

Am. caust., Caps., Mosch., Sambu. — With suffoca- 
tive spasm of larynx. 

Amyl nit. — In nervous conditions, with choking in 
throat, oppressed respiration and staring eyes, 
accompanied by a surging of blood to the head and 
face. 

Chlorum — Sudden dyspnoea from spasm of the 
vocal cords, with staring eyes, blue face and cold 
sweat. 

Cwpr. — Spasmodic asthma, with constriction of the 
throat, intense dyspnoea and blueness of the face. 

Ign. — Nervous spasm of the glottis. 

Ipec. — Spasm of the glottis, with rapid alternations 
of contraction and relaxation of the vocal cords. 

Lack., Canth. — Spasm of the larynx due to pressure 
externally. 

Magnol. gr. — In heart troubles, sensation of suffo- 
cation and constriction of throat. 

Nux m. — In nervous conditions (Puis.), with con- 
striction of the vocal cords. 

Sambu. — In laryngitis, with attacks of suffocation 
due to spasm of the larynx. 

Stram. — Suffocative spasm, or spasm of the glottis 
on attempting to swallow. 

Ver. a. — Suffocative spasm, with cough, from con- 
striction of the larynx or chest, 
drink, regurgitation of — Bell., Canth., Carbol. ac, Lack., 

Lye, Merc, corr., Merc, v., Sulph. ac. 
gangrene of — Caps., Lack. 
hair, splinter, etc., in — 

Apis — Stinging pains on swallowing. 

Alumina — Great dryness and sharp splintery feel- 
ing in throat. 



COMPARISONS. 191 

Throat- 
kind of and with — 

hair, splinter, etc., in — 

Arg. nit. — In acute and chronic pharyngitis, with 

much thick mucus and rawness and soreness, and 

a sensation of a splinter lodged in throat, which 

is felt more on swallowing. 

Hep. s. — Sticking in throat as from a splinter and 

extending to the ear on swallowing. 
Ign. — Sensation of a fish-bone in the throat, better 

from swallowing anything solid. 
Kali carb. — Sticking in pharynx as from a fish-bone, 

worse if he becomes cold. 
Merc. corr. — On swallowing food feeling as if knife 

were cutting. 
Merc. v. — Sharp sticking in throat on swallowing. 
Nit. ac. — Pain as from splinters on swallowing, with 

much salivation. 
Sit. — At times stitches on swallowing, 
oedema of — Apis, Canth., Rhus t., Sang. 
pain in, to ear on swallowing — Bell., Gels., Hep. s., Lack., 

Petrol., Phyto. 
phthisis, laryngeal — Ars., Dros., Lauroc, Mang., Nit. 

ac, Selen., Spong. 
purple — Ailant., Arg. nit., Bapt., Crot. h., Kali hi., hack., 

Naja, Phyto., Tarent. Cub. 
rheumatic sore — (see Rheumatism, kind of, throat), 
sore — 

of smokers — 

Arg. nit. — With burning and dark redness 
and a sensation of a splinter in throat on 
swallowing. 
Caps. — Of drinkers and smokers, sometimes 
with tough mucus that is difficult to dis- 
lodge, but usually with inflammation, 
burning, and relaxed uvula, 
speakers — (see Hoarseness, sore throat of 

speakers), 
sensitiveness to touch — Canth., Lach., Naja. 



192 COMPARISONS. 

Tongue — 

black — Am., Ars., Bapt., Carb. veg. 
coated — 

at base — Kali bi., Merc. pr. 

thickly, white — Ant. cr., Arg. nit., Bismuth. 
and breath cold — Camph., Carb. veg., Colch., Ver. a. 
epithelioma — Ars., Ars. iod., Carbol. ac., Chrom. ac, Kali, hi., 

Kali mur., Mur. ac. 
mapped — Kali bi., Nat. mur., Ran. seel., Tar ax. 
neuralgia of — Agar., Ars. 

paralysis of — Ba. carb., Gels., Hyosc, Lack., Opium, Plumb. 
red — 

dry streak in middle — Ant. t., Lack., Ver. vir. 

tip — 

Arg. nit., Phyto., Rhus t. — Red triangular tip. 
Sulph. — Tongue dry and red at tip and edges, 
scalded feeling — (see Mouth, burnt, scalded feeling in). 
shows imprint of teeth — Chel., Hydr., Mag. mur., Merc. v. 
trembling — Apis, Lach. 

ulceration — Ars., Canth., Kali bi., Kali mur., Lach., Mur. ac., 
Nit. ac, Phyto., Ran. seel. 

Tonic after exhausting diseases — (see Prostration, follow- 
ing severe diseases). 

Tonsils — 

tonsillitis, follicular — Gels., Merc, bin., Phyto. 
hypertrophied — Ba. carb., Ba. iod., Ba. mur., Iod., Phyto. 
mycosis — Calc. fluor., Calc. phos. 

Touch- 
sensitiveness to — (see Sensitiveness to touch), 
hyperesthesia, general — (see Sensitiveness, hyperesthesia). 

Trachea, rawness of — Arg. met., Cann. sat., Caust., Cocc. c, Iod., 
Osmium, Paris quad., Phos., Senega. 

Trembling — 

Arg. nit. — Tremulous weakness, with nervous restlessness and 
sighing respiration. 



COMPARISONS. 193 

Trembling — 

Cim., CoccuL, Con., Gels., Lack., Merc, v., Nat. mur., Nit. ac, 
Nux v., Opium, Phos. — Tremulous weakness. 

Sulph. ac. — General sense of trembling, without it being 
visible. 

Zinc. — Trembling of hands. 

Twitching of extremities — Ambra gr., Bell., Cim., Cina, CoccuL, 
Hyosc, Ign., Opium, Tanacet., Zinc, Zinc, valer. 

Tympanitis — (see Abdomen, tympanitis). 

Typhoid- 
restless type — Am., Ars., Bapt., Rhus t. 
non-restless type — Am., Bry., Carb. veg., Gels., Mur. ac, 

Phos. ac, Phos. 
with haemorrhage from bowels — Am. carb., Am., Carb. veg., 
China, Crot. h., Hamam., Kreos., Lach., Mur. ac, 
Sulph. ac, Tereb. 
suppression of urine — Colch., Stram., Zingib. 

Typhus — Apis, Am., Ars., Bapt., Bell., Bry., Chlorum, Crot. h., 
Phos., Rhus t. 

Ulcers — 

gangrenous — (see Gangrene, gangrenous degeneration of 

ulcers), 
varicose — (see Veins, varicose). 

Uraemic — 

convulsions — Am. carb., Cann. Ind., Cupr., Hydrocy. ac, 

Petrol., Phyto., Plumb. 
headache — Cann. Ind., Petrol. 

Urea increased— #eZon. 7 Kali salts. 

Urine — 

passes better standing — Caust., Con. 
kind of and with — 

black — Ars. hydrog., Carbol. ac, Colch., Crot. h., Kali 
chlor., Lach., Merc corr., Phos. 



194 COMPARISONS. 

Urine — 

kind of and with — 

blood, of decomposed — Carbol. ac., Crot. h., Lack. 

hematuria — (see Haemorrhage, hematuria), 
burning on urinating (comments by Dr. Bukk G. Carle- 
ton) . 

Aeon. — In acute conditions, especially with great 
agony at the thought of micturition. 

Apis — At times when urinating there is a stinging 
pain, or there may be strangury, with sensation 
"as if the flow were obstructed near the glans 
penis" (Carleton). 

Arg. nit. — Dysuria and bloody urine, with terrible 
cutting pains "from prostate to rectum on void- 
ing the last drops of urine; also a sensation of a 
hot wire passing along the urethra on urinating, 
the burning most pronounced in the membranous 
portion and the fossa navicularis" (Carleton). 

Ars. — Extreme burning on urinating. 

Bell. — Dysuria especially in children and excitable 
women. 

Berb. — Burning before, during or after micturition, 
especially when associated with uric acid deposits. 

Borax — Infants and young children are afraid to 
urinate and almost have convulsions when the 
desire to urinate comes. (Nux m. also says 
Carleton.) 

Camph., Tereb. — Useful for strangury when caused 
by poisoning from Cantharis. 

Cann. sat. — Burning during and after micturition, 
worse just after. 

Cann. Ind. — Burning before, during and after mic- 
turition. 

Canth. — Urine bloody and scalds the whole length 
of the urethra; it is passed drop by drop, with 
great strangury. 

Caps. — Strangury, excessive burning pain in pros- 
tate. 



COMPARISONS. 195 

Urine — 

kind of and with — 

burning on urinating — 

Chimaph. — Burning and scalding during micturi- 
tion; difficult to begin to urinate, with straining 
before and after. \ - ■ 

Clem. — Great pain and burning on beginning to 
urinate, "pain along the urethra, especially re- 
ferred to the glans penis" (Carleton), with feeling 
as if the urethra were contracted, with necessity 
to strain to pass a few drops. 

Colch. — Urine dark and bloody, with tenesmus. 

Copaiva — Cystitis with great dysuria and burning 
the entire length of the urethra, especially if it 
follows gonorrhoea; has to make a great effort 
to pass a little urine. 

Cubeba — Cutting and constriction in urethra during 
micturition; necessity to urinate every ten or 
fifteen minutes, with smarting and tenesmus after. 

Digit. — Increased desire after the first few drops 
have passed, with burning in urethra and tenes- 
mus of both bladder and rectum; this increased 
desire is so great that it causes the patient to walk 
around in much distress, " though motion in- 
creases the desire to urinate" (Hering). 

Equiset. — Extreme and frequent urging, with pain 
worse just after micturition. 

Erig. — Burning micturition, offensive odor. "Dys- 
uria of teething children" (Lilienthal). 

Eupat. purp. — Smarting, burning, or difficulty in 
urinating, in nephritis from taking cold. 

Gels. — "During micturition a sensation of discom- 
fort, combined with a voluptuous or pleasurable 
feeling referred to the deep genitalia" (Carleton). 

Kali bi. — The last drop cannot be expelled and 
causes burning. 
14 



196 COMPARISONS. 

Urine — 

kind of and with — 

burning on urinating — 

Lit. tig. — Smarting and burning during and after 
micturition associated with anteversion or pro- 
lapsus of the uterus. 

Lye. — ' ' During micturition, pain in the region of the 
kidneys,, causing children to cry out and scream" 
(Carleton). 

Merc. v. — Tenesmus, constant desire but little is 
passed, with burning especially after micturition. 

Merc. corr. — An aggravated Merc. v. condition. 

Nat. mur. — Especially in gleet, with cutting and 
burning after urinating, "and pollutions within 
a few hours after coitus" (Carleton). 

Nit. ac. — With frequent urging and intense smarting 
and burning during and after urinating, the urine 
smelling strong like horse's urine. 

Nux v. — More of an irritable bladder; frequent and 
painful urging to urinate, with discharge of only a 
few drops of burning urine. 

Pareira— Constant urging to urinate, with violent 
pain and straining; strangury, with ability to 
urinate only when on the knees and pressing the 
head against the floor; the urine scalds the whole 
length of the urethra. "A very valuable remedy 
which can be depended upon" (Carleton). 

Petrosel. — Acute inflammations of the urethra and 
bladder, sudden attacks of urging to urinate, 
which if not immediately attended to cause the 
most intense pain. "The man, or child, will 
dance up and down if they find the closet door 
locked" (WmcheU). 

Populus trem. — Cystitis, with severe tenesmus, 
especially in old people, urethritis, micturition 
painful and scalding, especially during pregnancy ; 
valuable for tenesmus of the bladder following 
laparotomy or ovariotomy, "and the urinary 
fevers" (Carleton). 



COMPARISONS. 197 

Urine — 

kind of and with — 

burning on urinating — 

Prunus spin. — Neuralgic dysuria; the urine seems 
to pass into the glans penis and then to return 
and cause violent pain in the urethra. 

Rhus arom. — Cystitis, with excruciating pain on 
urinating. 

Santon. — Dysuria, with emission of only a few drops 
at a time ; urine has a peculiar green color. 

Sarsap. — Cystitis, with bloody urine, characterized 
by pain in the neck of the bladder at close of 
micturition, and with chill running up the back 
from the bladder. 

Senecio — Chronic inflammation of the neck of the 
bladder, or in nephritis, with fever, great pain 
on urinating, urine high-colored (red) and hot. 

Sep. — Slow micturition, but with constant desire 
and painful bearing-down sensation above the 
pubis (in the perineum, says Carleton). 

Sulph. — Burning and smarting micturition, fre- 
quent urging, "with a voluptuous itching reaching 
as far as the anus" (Carleton). 

Tereb. — Bloody urine; dysuria and constant tenes- 
mus. 

Thuja — Dysuria; burning, high-colored and strong- 
smelling urine. 

Uva ursi — Cystitis, frequent urging, with severe 
spasm of the bladder, burning and tearing pain; 
urine contains blood and tough mucus. "Has to 
lie on the back to pass urine" (Lilienthal). 

Vespa — Burning micturition in women, especially 
with affections of the 1. ovary. 

worse after urinating — Caps., Cann. sat., Digit., 
Equiset., Kali hi., Merc, corr., Merc, v., Nat. mur., 
Nit. ac, Pareira. 

with leucorrhcea — (see Leucorrhoea, with distress 
on urinating). 



198 COMPARISONS. 

Urine — 

kind of and with — 

dribbling after urinating — 

Cann. Ind. — Stitches before, during and after mic- 
turition, with dribbling after. 
Clem., Petrol. — Dribbling from the bladder after 

micturition. 
Hep. s. — The stream is slow and without force and 

it seems as if he would never finish. 
Kali carb. — The last drops cannot be expelled, with 
dribbling from the urethra for some time after 
urinating, due to a chronic inflammation of the 
urethra. 
Thuja — With weak expulsive power in the bladder 
and frequent interruptions of the stream, or a 
sensation as if a few drops of urine ran down the 
urethra after micturition, a dribbling from the 
urethra, not from the bladder. 
enuresis — 

diurnal — Caust., Cina, Fer., Puis., Rhus arom. 
nocturnal — 

Benz. ac. — With dark offensive urine. 
Caust. — When there is a weakness of the 
sphincter and the urine passes involuntarily, 
especially during the first sleep. 
Chloralum — Worse the latter part of the night; 

profuse urination. 
Cina, Fer., Puis., Rhus arom. — When there is 
also involuntary micturition during the day. 
Equiset. — Nocturnal enuresis of children, es- 
pecially when there is no tangible cause, 
except habit. 
Fer. phos. — Concerning the cures of which we 

read so much and have seen so few. 
Kreos. — Where he dreams that he is standing 
before the proper receptacle and wakes to 
find it just the reverse. 



COMPARISONS. 199 

Urine — 

kind of and with — 
enuresis — 

nocturnal — 

Petrol. — From weakness of the bladder. 

Phos. ac. — "When urine is passed in first sleep 

and fairly floods the bed" (Hering). 
Plant. — With very profuse urine. 
Ruta, Verbas. — Dribbling at night. 
Sep. — Where the trouble is worse during the 

first part of the night. 
Sil., Cina — Especially in children who suffer 

from worms. 
Sulph. — Useful in nocturnal enuresis, and 
many start a chronic case with this remedy 
with the expectation that the drug to follow 
will act with increased vigor and thus a 
speedier cure may be effected. 
Viola t. — With odor of cat's urine, 
during first sleep — Caust., Phos. ac, Sep. 
incontinence of children — Fer., Ign. 

old people — Apis, Equiset., Gels., Iod. 
spurting on coughing — (see Cough, causes and with, 

urinating), 
diabetes — (see Diabetes). 

increased in nervous conditions — Arg. nit., Gels., Ign., 
Mosch., Plant., Sang. 
polyuria — Arg. met., Helon., Murex, Nat. mur., 
Squilla. 
intermittent flow — Con., Gels., Lye, Thuja. 
milky — Coloc, Phos. ac, Phos. 

mucus in — Aspar., Berb., Equiset., Merc, corr., Merc, v., 
Puis., Senega, Sulph. 
thick, ropy — Chimaph., Cubeba, Hydr., Pareira, 
Populus trem., Uva ursi. 
oily film — Hep. s., Paris quad., Phos., Psor., Sulph. — 
(the first spoken of prominently in the Handbook, 
the others only in italics). 



200 COMPARISONS. 

Urine — 

kind of and with— 

oxaluria — Kali sulph., Nit. ac, Ox. ac, Rhus t. 
phosphates in — Benz. ac, Calc. phos., Helon., Phos. ac. 
polyuria — (see increased). 

red sand and calculi — (see Kidney, colic and calculi), 
retention of — 

after childbirth— Caust. , Hyosc, Ign., Nux v. y 

Opium. 
in infants — Aeon., Per. phos. 

from paralysis of the bladder — Gels., Opium, 
Plumb., Zinc. 
smells — 

like horse's — Benz. ac, Nit. ac. 
violets — Copaiva, Tereb. 
spurting on coughing — (see Cough, causes and with, 

urinating), 
suppressed in- 
acute nephritis — Apis, Dulc, Merc. corr. 
cholera — Ars., Camph., Carb. veg., Cupr., Secale cor. 
dropsy — Ars., Convall., Digit., Helleb. 
eruptive diseases— A pis, Colch., Phyto., Stram. 
hydrocephalus — Helleb., Sulph. 
infants — Chimaph., Tereb. (Dr. S. F. Wilcox). 
typhoid — Colch., Stram., Zingib. 
yellow fever — Canth., Crot. h. 
as if something remained behind— Gels., Mag. mur. t 
Nux v. 
dribbling after urinating — (see Urine, kind of and 
with, dribbling after urinating), 
passes better standing — Caust., Con. 
cannot urinate without being prepared for stool — Aloe f 

Apis, Oleand. 
must strain to urinate — 

Alumina — Has to strain at stool in order to pass 

urine. 
Apis — "Must press a long time before he can com- 
mence" (Hering). 



COMPARISONS. 201 

Urine — 

kind of and with — 

must strain to urinate — 

Caust. — Scanty flow after a long wait. 

Chimaph. — Very difficult to begin, straining before 
and after. 

Clem. — Feeling of constriction of the urethra, must 
strain before the urine will start and then it flows 
in a thin stream, stops before the bladder is emp- 
tied, and then dribbles. 

Copaiva — Has to make a great effort to pass a little 
urine. 

Hep. s. — After a long wait the urine drops down 
vertically. 

Kali carb. — With loss of power the urine is discharg- 
ed slowly. 

Lye. — " Urging but must wait a long time before it 
will pass" (Hering). 

Mag. mur. — Must press the hands on the abdomen 
in order to empty the bladder. 

Pareira — With great urging, can only urinate when 
on hands and knees. 

Sep. — With urging and bearing down, must wait 
several minutes before the flow starts. 

Urticaria — 

Ant. cr. — When dependent upon gastric disorder. 

Apis — Itching worse 5 p.m. 

Ars.—" Occurring in the anaemic" (Dearborn), worse from 

cold, better from warmth. 
Bov., Led. — Where the itching is worse after getting warm 

in bed. 
Chloralum — In the ordinary case of hives where the cause is 

unknown. 
Copaiva — Biting, with violent itching. 
Dolichos — During pregnancy. 
Dulc, Rumex — Chronic urticaria, worse beginning of winter. 



202 COMPARISONS. 

Urticaria — 

Kreos. — After menstruation. 

Nit. ac. — With itching, smarting and especially burning. 

Puis., Ruta — Where every attempt to eat meat is followed by 

an eruption like nettle rash. 
Urtica ur.— General urticaria, with intolerable itching and 

burning, especially from eating shell-fish, 
worse — 

exposure to cold air — Dulc, Rumex. 

intermittent fever — (see Intermittent fever, with 

urticaria), 
menstruation — (see Menstruation, with urticaria). 

Uterus — 

kind of and with — 

ante version — Lit. tig., Nux v., Sep., Sulph. — With fre- 
quent desire and pain on urinating, 
cancer of — Arg. met, Ars., Carb. an., Carbol. ac, Clem., 
Con., Graph., Hydr., Iod., Kreos., Lye, Mag. mur., 
Murex, Secale cor., Tarent., Thuja. 
contractions — 
clonic — Caul. 
tonic — Secale cor. 
engorged with blood — Aloe, Bell., Sep. 
enlarged — Ars., Aurum, Aurum mur. nat., Merc, bin., 

Murex, Ver. a., Viscum. 
excrescences on — Graph., Hydr., Kreos., Nit. ac, Thuja. 
fibroids of — Bell., Calc. carb., Calc. iod., Hydr., Kali iod., 
Led., Lye, Mag. mur., Plat., Secale cor., Trill., Vinca. 
haemorrhage in gushes — Bell., Cham., Coccul., Sabina, 
Trill, (refer also to Menstruation, kind of, in gushes), 
neuralgia of — Cim., Lil. tig. 
plug like pain between uterus and r. ovary — Iod. 

pubis and coccyx — Aloe. 
polypi — Con., Sang., Thuja. 
bleeding — Con., Thuja. 



COMPARISONS. 203 

Uterus — 

kind of and with — 

prolapsus — Agnus cast., Aletris, Ant. cr., Arg. met., Am., 
Aurum, Bell., Caul., Collin., Fer. iod., Helon., 
Hydr., Kali hi., Lappa, Lil. tig., Murex, Nat. 
mur., Nux v., Pallad., Phos. ac, Plat., Podo., 
Puis., Rhus t., Sep., Stan., Staph., Sulph., Thuja, 
Trill. 
with feeling of protrusion — 

Aloe — Heaviness and arterial engorgement of 
the uterus as if a haemorrhage would take 
place. 
Ant. cr. — With suppression of the menses from 

cold bathing. 
Bell. — Sensation as if everything would be 
forced out or protrude, a state of arterial 
congestion, with heat and burning as if the 
uterus were heavy with hot blood. 
Lappa — With a sore, bruised feeling and great 
relaxation, all symptoms worse standing or 
walking. 
Lil. tig. — With desire to press upward against the 

vulva or to support the abdominal walls. 
Murex — Must sit down and cross thighs to ob- 
tain relief from the sensation of protrusion. 
Nat. mur. — With great weakness of the abdom- 
inal muscles and viscera, must sit down to 
prevent protrusion. 
Sep. — Along with prostration and weakness 
as if she were about to faint, must sit down 
and cross her thighs. 
Stan. — With a weak, gone feeling in the chest, 
desire for stool — Lil. tig., Nux v. 

to urinate — Lil. tig., Nux v., Sep., Sulph. 
retroversion — Caul., Convall., Fer. iod., Lil. tig., Nux v., 
Rhus t. 
with frequent desire for stool — Lil. tig., Nux v. 



204 COMPARISONS. 

Uterus — 

kind of and with — 

subinvolution — Apis, Aurum mur. rial., Caul., Hydr., 
Kali hi., Mur ex, Nat. mur., Secale cor., Sep., Viscum. 
tumors of broad ligament — Bov., Coloc., Kali brom. 
ulcerations of the cervix — 

Arg. met., Arg. nit., Ars. — With profuse, excoriat- 
ing, offensive discharges and tendency to haem- 
orrhages. 

Borax — Very valuable in inflammation and ulcera- 
tion of the mucous membrane of the vagina and 
uterus, with albuminous and acrid leucorrhcea. 

Calend. — Useful locally as well as internally, in bad 
ulcerations of the os uteri, with offensive leucor- 
rhcea. 

Carbol. ac. — With fetid and acrid discharge. 

Curare — Discharge ichorous, corroding and fetid. 

Helon. — Offensive leucorrhcea, with ulceration of 
the cervix, which occasionally causes haemor- 
rhage. Usually with pain in the lumbar region, 
weight on the chest and pressure on vertex. 

Hep. s. — With profuse, offensive leucorrhcea of a 
decayed odor. 

Hydr. — With fungoid excrescences and especially 
with haemorrhages, due to the ulcerations, and 
with profuse tenacious leucorrhcea. 

Kreos. — With burning pains and putrid discharges- 

Merc, bin., Merc, v., Thuja — Especially for venereal 
ulcers and tendency to haemorrhages. 

Mezer. — With smarting and burning pain. 

Nit. ac. — Erosions and ulcerations of the cervix, 
with tendency to haemorrhages. 

Uvula — 

elongation of, with cough — (see Cough, worse, uvula, elonga- 
tion of). 

swelling of — Apis, Cistus, Kali hi., Kali iod., Lye., Merc, corr., 
Merc, v., Nat. ars., Nit. ac, Sil., Sulph. ac. 



COMPARISONS. 205 

Vaccination, ill effects of — 

Crot. h. — Erysipelas after vaccination. 

Sil. — For the results from impure vaccination, with the 

formation of abscesses, or where the ulcer refuses to heal. 
Thuja — Very useful for the bad effects of vaccination or 

when it causes diarrhoea. 

Vagina — 

burning in, with leucorrhcea — Am. carb., Ars., Con., Iod., Lye. 
gas from vagina — Brom., Lye, Nux m., Phos. ac. 

bladder — Sarsap. 
pruritus— (see Pruritus). 
sensitive to coition — Aurum, Fer., Lye, Nat. mur., Plat., 

Sep., Thuja. 
varicose veins — Carb. veg., Hamam., Lye. 

Vaginismus — Aurum, Aurum mur. not., Berb., Cact., Plat., 
Plumb. 

Veins, varicose and ulcers— 

Calc. carb. — Varicose ulcers, " worse from wet poultices and 
in wet weather" (Hering). 

Calc. fluor. — Spoken of by Schiissler as "the chief remedy 
for varicose veins;' 7 "for the aged" (Lilienthal). 

Calend. — As a local application for bad smelling ulcers. 

Carb. veg. — Useful in low types of ulcers when they break 
down and refuse to heal, with ichorous, offensive discharge, 
and burning pains, worse at night. 

Carduus mar. — Considered by many as a most effective rem- 
edy for varicose veins, and it is especially useful when there 
is a general disturbed function of the liver; portal hyper- 
emia. 

Fer. phos. — "Hyperemia dependent upon relaxation of 
muscular fibres of blood-vessels. Varicose veins in young 
persons" (Schiissler). 

Fluor, ac. — Especially in old and obstinate varicose veins and 
ulcers, with relief from bathing in cold water and aggrava- 
tion from warm applications. "In women who have 
borne many children" (Hering). 



206 COMPARISONS. 

Veins, varicose, and ulcers — 

Hamam. — Varicose veins and ulcers, dark in color, with great 
soreness (Am.), a bruised sensation. 

Kali bi. — Ulcers deep, with adherent secretions; "worse in 
hot weather, better in cold weather " (Dearborn). 

Lack. — Indolent ulcers of bluish-black color (Am., Carb. 
veg., Crot. h., Hamam., Mezer., Mur. ac). 

Led. — Varicose veins on nose (Carb. veg.). 

Lye. — Varicose veins and ulcers, with cedema and aggrava- 
tion from heat. 

Merc. v. — Varicose ulcers which bleed easily (Thuja), gener- 
ally with nocturnal lancinating pains. 

Mezer. — Varicose ulcers, surrounded by bluish-red discolora- 
tion; the slightest pressure causes the most intense burning 
pain. 

Millef. — Painful varicose veins during pregnancy. 

Nit. ac. — Varicose ulcers sensitive to, and bleeding easily 
from touch; "worse from cold water" (Dearborn). 

Puis. — Sluggish circulation, coldness of parts and general 
chilliness; with the varicose ulcers there is smarting, sting- 
ing pain, worse from warmth; the leg sweats constantly. 

Sil. — Sensitiveness to touch; sharp stinging pains, better 
from warmth. 

Vipera t. — Varicose veins, especially with the sensation on 
letting the limb hang down, as if it would burst from the 
fulness of the veins. 

Zinc. — Especially in chronic conditions; follows well after 
Puis. 

blue — Am., Carb. veg., Crot. h., Hamam., Lack., Mezer., 
Mur. ac. 

of legs — Carb. v., Lack., Mezer., Puis., Zinc. 
Puis. — For the early stages. 

Zinc. — In chronic conditions after Puis, has relieved 
the acute symptoms. 

on nose — Carb. veg., Led. 

septum of nose — Carb. veg., Hamam. 

of pudenda — Carb. veg., Hamam., Lye. 



COMPARISONS. 207 

Venous congestion — Am. carb., Ant. t., Am., Baft., Camph., 
Carb. an., Carb. veg., Chloralum, Crot. h., Cupr., Digit., Gels., 
Hydrocy. ac, Lack., Opium, Phyto., Ver. vir. 

Vertebrae, caries of — Calc. carb., Calc. phos., Merc, corr., Phos. 
ac, Phos., Sil., Therid. 

Vertigo — 

worse — 

open air — Calc. carb., Coccid., Cyclam., Sulph. 
cerebral anaemia — Calc. carb., Con., Kali brom., Zinc. 
closing eyes — Apis, Chel., Lack., Thuja. 
looking up — Cupr., Petrol., Phos., Puis. 
down — Oleand. 

steadily at any object — Con., Oleand. 
at running water — Arg. met., Per. 
walking over running water — Sulph. 
lying on r. side — Bry. (Beyea). 

1. side — Onosmod. 
going up stairs — Calc. carb. 

down stairs — Borax. 
moving head — Bry., Calc. carb., Carb. veg., Gels. 
sitting up in bed — Aeon., Bry., Carb. veg., Chel., Cina, 
Coccul., Con., Oleand., Nat. mur., Nit. ac, Petrol., 
Phos., Puis. 
stooping — Aurum, Bry., Carb. veg., Graph., Puis., Sulph. 
sun — Agar., Nat. carb. 
as if intoxicated — Arg. met., Coccul., Cyclam., Nat. mur., Nux 

v., Petrol., Puis. 
with falling to the left — Am., Aurum, Nat. mur., Salic, ac, 
Stram., Zinc. 

Vocal cords — 

paralysis of — Caust., Gels., Selen., Senega. 
relaxed — Carb. veg., Coca, Hydr. 

Voice breaks on trying to sing — Arum tri., Graph., Phos., 
Spong. 



208 COMPARISONS. 

Vomiting — 

of black blood — Ars., Cadmium sulph., Crot. h., Hamam., 
Lack., Phos., Podo., Ver. a. — With sedi- 
ment looking like coffee grounds. 
Ipec. — Blood black or tar-like, 
pregnancy — (see Pregnancy, nausea and vomiting of), 
sour curds — 

Mthusa — Vomiting directly, or very soon after nurs- 
ing, of large sour curds that do not cause anj r 
especial inconvenience or distress, as the child is 
ready to nurse again after vomiting. 
Ant. cr. — Has vomiting directly after nursing, but in 
smaller curds and the child refuses to nurse after- 
wards. 
with cold sweat — Ant. L, Ars., Camph., Carbol. ac, Cupr., 
Dios., LobeL, Puis., Secale cor., Tabac, Ver. a. 

Walk- 
better from or must — (see Amelioration, walking), 
slow in learning to — Ba. carb., Cole, carb., Code, phos., Caust. 

Warts — Ant. cr., Cede, carb., Caust., Dulc, Nat. sulph., Nit. ac, 
Staph., Thuja. 
bleeding — Nit. ac, Thuja. 
venereal — Nit. ac.. Staph., Thuja. 
on nose — Caust., Thuja. 

Waterbrash — China, Lye, Nat. carb., Nat. mur., Nux v., Puis., 
Sulph. 
heartburn — Berb., Bry., Calc. phos., Carb. veg., China, Con., 
Graph., Kali carb., Lye, Mag. carb., Nat. carb.. Nat. mur., 

Nat. sulph., Nux v., Puis., Sep. 

Worms— 

Calad. — Allen tells us that this is "the most efficient remedy 
in pruritus of the vulva and vagina." This has led to its 
use in little girls, when pin-worms travel over the perineum 
and get into the vagina ; the irritation they produce may 
lead to masturbation. 



COMPARISONS. 209 

Worms — 

Calc. carb. — Ascarides and chronic diarrhoea, with great 

appetite and distention of the abdomen. 
Cicuta — Spasms of the oesophagus from worms, the child 

cannot swallow and strangles on attempting to swallow. 
Cina — With meningeal irritation, and hot, swollen abdomen, 

also for strabismus dependent upon worms, especially 

when the child has a pale, sickly look and "blue rings 

around the eyes" (Hering). 
Cupr., Cicuta, Ign., Sabad.— Convulsions from worms. 
Fer. — Pin worms, with itching at anus and involuntary 

micturition ; unnatural appetite and flushed face. 
Marum -y.— Terrible itching in anus from pin-worms, always 

worse at night and from the warmth of the bed. 
Nat. mur. — For seat- worms and to "lessen predisposition to 

have worms" (Hering). 
Nat. phos. — Strabismus due to worms. 
Sabad., Ign. — Reflex cough from worms; the former remedy 

having convulsive symptoms, irritation of the external 

genitals, colic and even vomiting of round worms. 
Santon. — Used for diagnostic purposes and for its mechanical 

effects. 
Sil. — Nocturnal enuresis in children who suffer from worms. 
Spig. — "Strabismus from worms, nauseated in morning" 

(Farrington), "with relief after eating" (Lilienthal). 
Tanacet. — Affections from worms, with twitchings in sleep 

and waking in fright, 
convulsions from — Cicuta, Cwpr., Ign., Sabad. 

Wounds — 

dissecting — Apis, Ars., Crot. h., Lack. 

Writer's cramp— Gels., Pic. ac, Ruta. 

Yellow fever — 

haemorrhage in — Cadmium sulph., Canth., Carb. veg., Crot. h., 

Lack. 
urine suppressed in — Canth., Crot. h. 



PLAIN TALKS 



ON 



MATERIA MEDICA 



WITH 



COMPARISONS 



BY 



WILLARD IDE PIERCE, M.D. 



15 



PREFACE 



These " Talks" on our remedies, with amplifications along 
various lines, more especially in reference to clinical symptoms, 
were originally given at the New York Homoeopathic Medical 
College and Flower Hospital during the years 1898-1908. 

While our knowledge of a remedy is in direct proportion to the 
thoroughness of the proving, our progress as individuals and as a 
school is also dependent upon our recording of the clinical verifi- 
cations, as well as of those symptoms that we have discovered 
from the administration of the remedy. 

One of the objects sought for in writing about these remedies 
was to so record the symptoms that the authority for them could 
be known and easy reference made to the records from which 
they were taken whenever further study was necessary. 

Allen's Handbook is followed closely, and, except for emphasis, 
matter from the Handbook is not placed in quotation marks. 
Other symptoms from various authors are quoted, with the 
names of the authority or the work from which they are taken. 

Many physicians, whose names follow the symptoms, have 
helped me in this work by furnishing me with valuable clinical 
indications from their own practice, either confirmatory of the 
provings or as additional symptoms. 

Some minor remedies have not been included, but the indi- 
cations for most of them will be found among the comparisons. 

The aim is to present a plain, practical homoeopathic materia 
medica. 

jjThe numerals, within parentheses, as found in the text, refer to 
the page in the comparison section where the symptom is com- 
pared with other remedies having the same or similar symptom 
or condition. 

213 



214 PREFACE. 

The potency spoken of at the end of a remedy is the one that I, 
as an individual, usually use, and it means nothing more than my 
preference. It always was my custom to speak to the students 
of potency in reference to each remedy, and I see no reason for 
omitting it here, only I took pains to emphasize the fact that the 
one referred to meant nothing more than my personal choice, and 
that they were at liberty to accept it or to reject is as experience 
or inclination should lead them to decide; simply to give the 
least amount of medicine that in their judgment will suffice to 
cure the patient. 

We all have our ideas on this subject, and have expressed them, 
at times, with a good deal of force, but as others have said, the best 
potency in which to use even one particular remedy is not posi- 
tively known, for if it were we would all be using the same. 

Willard Ide Pierce. 



INDEX OF REMEDIES 



Abies nig. 
Absinthium 
Acetic acid 
Aconitum 
Actsea spic. 
Adonis 
iEsculus 
iEthusa 
Agaricus 
Agnus cast. 
Ailanthus 
Allium cepa 
Aloe 
Alumina 
Ambra grisea 
Ammonium carb. 
Ammonium caust. 
Ammonium mur. 
Ammonium phos. 
Amyl nit. 
Anacardium 
Antimonium ars. 
Antimonium crud. 
Antimonium tart. 
Apis 

Apocynum cann. 
Apomorphinum 
Aralia race. 
Aranea 

Argentum met. 
Argentum nit. 
Arnica 

Arsenicum alb. 
Arsenicum iod. 
Artemesia 
Arum tri. 
Asafoetida 
Asarum 
Asclepias corn. 
Asclepias tub. 
Asparagus 
Asterias rub. 
Aurum 
Baptisia 
Baryta carb. 



Belladonna 

Benzoic acid 

Berberis 

Bismuth 

Borax 

Bovista 

Bromium 

Bryonia 

Bufo 

Cactus 

Calcarea acet. 

Calcarea carb. 

Calcarea fluor. 

Calcarea phos. 

Calendula 

Camphor 

Cannabis Ind. 

Cannabis sat. 

Cantharis 

Capsicum 

Carbo an. 

Carbo veg. 

Carbolic acid 

Caulophyllum 

Causticum 

Ceanothus 

Cedron 

Cerium oxalate 

Chamomilla 

Chelidonium 

Chimaphila 

China 

Chin. ars. 

Chin, sulph. 

Chloralum 

Chlorum 

Cicuta vir. 

Cimicifuga 

Cina 

Cinnabaris 

Citric acid 

Clematis 

Cocculus 

Coccus cacti 

Coffea cr. 



Colchicum 

Collinsonia 

Colocynthis 

Conium 

Convallaria 

Corallium rub. 

Cornus circ, 

Cornus flor. 

Crataegus 

Crocus 

Crotalus 

Croton tig. 

Cuprum 

Cyclamen 

Digitalis 

Dioscorea 

Drosera 

Dulcamara 

Elaps 

Equisetum 

Eucalyptus 

Eupatorium perf. 

Eupatorium purp. 

Euphrasia 

Ferrum 

Ferrum phos. 

Ferrum cit. and pic. 

Fluoric acid 

Gambogia 

Gaultheria 

Gelsemium 

Glonoine 

Graphites 

Gratiola 

Grindelia rob. and squar. 

Hamamelis 

Helleborus nig. 

Helonias 

Hepar sulph. 

Hydrastis 

Hydrocotyle 

Hyoscyamus 

Hypericum 

Ignatia 

Iodum 



215 



216 



INDEX OF REMEDIES. 



Ipecacuanha 

Iris vers. 

Jatropha 

Kali bich. 

Kali brom. 

Kali carb. 

Kali chlor. 

Kali iod. 

Kali raur. 

Kali nit. 

Kali phos. 

Kali sulph. 

Kalmia 

Kreosotum 

Lachesis 

Ledum 

Lilium tig. 

Lobelia 

Lycopodium 

Lycopus 

Magnesia carb. 

Magnesia mur. 

Magnesia phos. 

Magnolia grand. 

Manganum 

Menyanthes 

Mephitis 

Merc. viv. 

Merc. corr. 

Merc. cyan. 

Merc. dulc. 

Merc. iod. fl. and rub. 

Merc. nit. 

Mezereum 

Millefolium 

Moschus 

Murex 



Muriatic acid 

Myrica 

Naja 

Natrum carb. 

Natrum mur. 

Natrum phos. 

Natrum sulph. 

Nitric acid 

Nux moschata 

Nux vomica 

Onosmodium 

Opium 

Oxalic acid 

Palladium 

Petroleum 

Phosphoric acid 

Phosphorus 

Phytolacca 

Picric acid 

Platinum 

Plumbum 

Podophyllum 

Psorinum 

Pulsatilla 

Ranunculus bulb. 

Raphanus 

Rhododendron 

Rhus arom. 

Rhus tox. 

Robinia 

Rumex 

Ruta 

Sabadilla 

Sabina 

Sambucus 

Sanguinaria 

Sanguinaria nit. 



Secale cor. 

Selenium 

Senega 

Sepia 

Silica 

Sinapis nig. 

Spigelia 

Spongia 

Squilla 

Stannum 

Staphisagria 

Sticta 

Stramonium 

Strophanthus 

Sulphur 

Sulphuric acid 

Tabacum 

Terebinthina 

Thlaspi 

Thuja 

Trillium 

Uranium nit. 

Urtica urens 

Ustilago 

Uva-ursi 

Valeriana 

Veratrum alb. 

Veratrum vir. 

Verbascum 

Viburnum op. 

Vinca 

Viola tri. 

Vipera 

Xanthoxylum 

Zincum 

Zingiber 

Zizia 



MATERIA MEDICA 



ABIES NIGRA. 

Black Spruce. 

Abies nig. is a large evergreen, native of the Northern United 
States, and the gum, which is used to prepare our tincture, was 
first proved by Dr. Leaman, of this country, in 1867, who had one 
man and two girls taking one drop of the tincture to three or six 
drops twice a day. 

The classical symptom of this remedy is the one given us by 
Dr. St. Clair Smith; the symptom in full reads as follows: " Chew- 
ing the gum frequently produces the sensation of an undigested 
hard-boiled egg in the stomach" (179). 

Allen tells us that Abies nig. "has often proved curative in the 
dyspepsia resulting from the use of tea (7) or tobacco." 

I use Abies nig. 1st. 

ABSINTHIUM. 

Artemesia Absinthium. 
Wormwood — Absinthe. 

(Absinthium — a^auvOos, apsinthos or apsinthia, wormwood). 
This bitter, aromatic shrub, which grows wild in Europe, and has 
become naturalized here, has been used in medicine from ancient 
times. Our knowledge of its effects is mostly of its toxicological 
symptoms as it has had only a fragmentary proving by Dr. H. P. 
Gatchell. 

The autopsies on animals poisoned by absinthe showed great 
congestion of the cerebro-spinal vessels, of the meninges of the 
brain, and extreme hypersemia of the medulla oblongata. 

Absinthe drinkers suffer from a peculiar form of epilepsy, which 

217 



218 MATERIA MEDICA. 

has received the name of " absinthe epilepsy," the most promi- 
nent symptoms being vertigo, illusions of sight and hearing, 
trembling and numbness of the extremities and epileptiform con- 
vulsions, which Allen says, " begin in the face and extend to the 
body and limbs. A large number of these convulsions are apt to 
occur in rapid succession for a few hours, coming on with scream- 
ing." 

Allen also tells us, although the clinical history of Absinthe is 
very imperfect, it has been used for prolonged spasms in children, 
due perhaps to gastric irritation (36), and for epileptiform con- 
vulsions (66) in older persons. 

In a lecture on this remedy, Allen spoke of putting a drop of the 
tincture on the tongue during an epileptic attack, as it would 
modify the convulsion. 

ACETIC ACID. 

Acetic acid was first proved by Dr. Berridge and introduced by 
Hering in 1838 (from Hering's Guiding Symptoms). 

Acetic acid produces directly gastro-enteritis, while its remote 
effects are a profound anaemia, with diarrhoea, night-sweats, 
feeble pulse, emaciation and cough. 

In anaemic conditions (15) there is great prostration and 
general relaxation of the system, with the resultant profuse dis- 
charge of all secretions, including saliva, urine, faeces, menstrual 
flow and sweat. 

The stomach is irritable and associated with great thirst; there 
is general anasarca (63) and pale, waxy skin. 

Acetic acid has been used with success in menorrhagia and 
metrorrhagia; in the anaemia of nursing women (146), with im- 
poverished, bluish milk; and in membranous croup with free 
perspiration. 

Hiccough, associated with fetid eructations, is mentioned in the 
pathogenetic symptoms, but Dr. F. M. Bishop of Newark Valley, 
N. Y., first told me of its value in hiccough of any kind (116). 
The tincture in water or eight to ten drops of vinegar in water, 
will stop many an attack. 



ACONITUM NAPELLUS. 219 

ACONITUM NAPELLUS. 

Monkshood, Wolfsbane. 

(Aconite — olkovitov, akoniton, a poisonous plant. Monkshood, 
from the shape of its flowers; Wolfsbane, from its use to poison 
animals.) 

Aconite is the accepted name of this remedy, and while the prov- 
ings were made from the whole plant and root when beginning to 
flower, the Am. Homceo. Phar. directs that the root is not to be 
included in the preparation of the tincture. 

Aconitum rad. or radix, made from the root of the plant, can be 
obtained from any of our pharmacies. It is supposed to have 
stronger medicinal properties, but has not been proved separately. 

Aconitum ferox, which has had a very fragmentary proving, is 
made from the root of a variety of the Aconitum napellus and is 
the most poisonous species of Aconite known. 

It is to Hahnemann that the world's knowledge of the thera- 
peutic value of Aconite is due, and he speaks of its use in the 30th 
dilution. 

The prescribing of Aconite by the old school, which is now so 
prevalent, is illustrative of their attitude towards us, where, after 
appropriating bits of information from homoeopathic sources, 
they acknowledge their indebtedness with the fingers extended, 
the thumb on the nose. 

Hughes says: "If Homoeopathy had done nothing for therapeu- 
tics but reveal the virtues of Aconite it might die content ; ,r and 
again: "It is impossible to begin to speak of Aconite without a 
thrill of gratification and pride. The inestimable benefits which 
are now — at least in England and America — obtaining general 
recognition, are the direct results of homoeopathy. When, ever 
and anon, our brethren without have caught a glimpse of its 
virtues, it has been from its use by homoeopathists that they have 
done so; though they have generally proclaimed them in the 
medical journals with a sneer at the source of their information." 

Hahnemann published his pathogenesis of Aconite in 1805 and, 
seventy years later, in 1876, Ringer, an old school author, is ready 
to startle the world with this statement: "Perhaps no drug is 



220 MATERIA MEDICA. 

more valuable than Aconite. Its virtues are far from being ade- 
quately appreciated, but I venture to predict that, ere long, it will 
be extensively employed." 

Bartholow, another author of the old school, writes a couple of 
years later, that he "can quite agree with Dr. Ringer in the state- 
ment that Aconite is a very valuable medicine, in the class of 
cases to which it is adapted." To show, however, his indepen- 
dence of our help, he adds this: "The monopoly by homoeopathic 
practitioners of the use of Aconite has aroused a prejudice against 
it, which has discouraged its employment. Aconite is, however, 
an antagonist to the fever-process; it is not applicable in accord- 
ance with the so-called law of similars. It is used by these quacks 
because it is a powerful agent which will produce manifest effects 
in small doses, that may easily be disguised." 

When homoeopathy was young, as well as in the early years of 
our national existence, we were apt to be troubled by adverse 
criticism; but both the nation and the school have made reputa- 
tions for themselves, and now neither have any occasion to be 
exercised over comments that have no facts back of them. 

Aconite is a prominent fever remedy, but it is important to re- 
member that it is not the only one, and that fever, per se, is no 
reason for its administration. 

The following sentence from the Handbook must always be 
kept in mind when prescribing this remedy. " Aconite causes 
only functional disturbance; there is scarcely any evidence of 
power to produce tissue change; its action is brief and shows no 
marked periodicity." 

It is of value in the beginning of acute diseases and in acute 
exacerbations of chronic diseases (62), but it is not to be con- 
tinued after the disease has caused pathological change. 

Arterial excitement, or hyperemia, is a prominent condition 
calling for Aconite. The onset is usually sudden and is charac- 
terized by decided chill, or alternating chilliness and fever, the 
former especially noticeable on moving, or when the clothes be- 
come loosened from the body, which causes chills to run up and 
down the back. Following the chill we have fever, often high and 



ACONITUM NAPELLUS. 221 

sthenic in type, increased heart's action, flushed face, hot and 
dry skin, and thirst. 

Throughout the case we have restlessness (160) and great 
mental anxiety. This restlessness is noticeable in all cases re- 
quiring the remedy and the patient will not or cannot keep quiet, 
but is constantly moving an arm or a leg, tossing and turning in 
bed, or grabbing the covers so as to tuck them still more closely 
around himself. 

Along with this restlessness we have, in all severe cases, great 
mental distress or anxiety, the so-called fear of death (81). 
While this is not, necessarily, a fear of the state called death, it is 
especially a feeling as of impending severe and serious illness that 
is liable to terminate fatally if immediate help is not obtained. 
The Aconite case is apt to be a " hurry call" and the patient will 
beg and plead with you to give him something quick, and "Oh 
Doctor," he is liable to say, "give me something strong; never 
mind about homoeopathy now, this is no child's play, if I am ever 
going to get over this, you must give me something powerful." 

The Aconite case is short-lived, therapeutically speaking, and you 
will not find such constant use for it as might be supposed, for by 
the time you reach the patient the stage of invasion, or of hyper- 
emia, will probably have passed and some other remedy will be 
needed that will fit the pathological change that has taken place. 
Its action is brief and it is to be given at frequent intervals. 

We have already spoken of the fever of Aconite and of the hot 
dry skin that accompanies it; when the skin becomes moist, or 
when the patient breaks out into a perspiration the time for it 
has passed, no matter how high the temperature may continue to 
be. 

Another section of that sentence quoted from the Handbook 
that we must always remember, says that the action of Aconite 
"shows no marked periodicity." It is never to be thought of, 
never to be given in any form of malaria or septic poisoning, and 
it is not a remedy to be used in typhoid fever in any stage of the 
disease. 

It is valuable in the chilly as well as in the febrile stage preced- 
ing the development of many eruptions and lesions, but when 



222 MATERIA MEDICA. 

the preliminary storm has passed and the lesion has become 
established the picture changes from Aconite to that of some 
other remedy. 

The sphere of Aconite is most marked on the head, the respira- 
tory organs, the heart and the joints. 

Cold, cold changes and exposure to high, dry, cold winds (5) 
are especial factors calling for the use of this remedy in many and 
various troubles. 

The pains of Aconite are usually acute, and the word " sticking" 
will frequently describe them, although shooting, lancinating, 
twitching, stinging, prickling, electric shocks, drawing and bruised 
are spoken of, and the pains are often associated with or followed 
by numbness (146). 

It is a remedy to be thought of in convulsions; not for those 
dependent upon a chronic constitutional taint, but for those of 
recent origin, as in the puerperal state (155), or the result of a 
sudden nervous shock, such as fright (36). Fright, as well as 
shock from injury, may result in delirium (53) requiring this 
remedy, when we would have, besides the hot head and face, great 
restlessness and mental anguish and talking about death. 

The headaches of Aconite are severe and are especially of the 
anterior part of the head and, when associated with fever, the 
head is hot and dry, with throbbing (102), bursting pain (104). 
Neuralgias of the head and face, teeth and ears (63) are especi- 
ally the result of exposure to cold or to cold dry winds when 
calling for this remedy. 

In the eye, it is frequently called for in the first stage of various 
inflammations, before any exudation has taken place, with heat, 
dryness and sticking pain. It is apt to be the first remedy you will 
think of for acute inflammation of the conjunctiva, due to cold 
(73) or from the irritation due to a foreign body (74). 

In incipient coryzas (37) it is of great value ; the nares are either 
hot and dry, or there is hot fluid discharge, but in both cases we 
have chilliness alternating with heat. 

It is right here that we need to sound a word of warning to our 
patients. They all keep Aconite in the house, have learned that 
it is useful in the beginning of a cold and use it in all cases, whether 



ACONITUM NAPELLUS. 223 

indicated or not ; but they want to be told, that as it induces per- 
spiration they must not be exposed to cold air after taking the 
remedy any more than they would after taking a hot bath. 

Aconite is to be remembered in epistaxis of bright red, hot blood 
when associated with the customary anxiety about his condition, 
as well as for great sensitiveness of the olfactory nerves, with 
especial reference to bad odors. 

As regards the stomach, we have thirst, especially for cold water. 
At the onset of eruptive diseases we find retching and vomiting, 
principally of green substances, or a similar condition following a 
severe shock, such as fright, or from suppression of menstruation 
or perspiration. In hscmatemesis, it is also to be thought of, but 
in all these conditions, we must have as our guide the physical 
restlessness and the mental anxiety. 

In the abdomen it is indicated in the early stage of all inflam- 
mations, peritonitis, hepatitis, etc., with the usual Aconite symp- 
toms of fever, sharp pains and restlessness. If these conditions 
arise from exposure to cold, so much the more reason for thinking 
of this remedy. 

In the rectum, remember it for bleeding piles (85), with heat, 
sharp sticking pains and bright red blood. A fruitful cause of 
an acute attack of haemorrhoids is the sitting on cold stones, and 
from such an origin Aconite would be of value in the beginning. 
We also find diarrhoea from chill or from fright (57), with pain 
and green (59), watery stools. 

In fever, the urine is dark, hot and scanty, but with no evidence 
of nephritis. While it is undoubtedly of value in the stage of 
hypersemia and especially in an acute exacerbation of some 
chronic inflammation, particularly if due to cold, the chances are 
that we would seldom be called to the case in time to make use of 
the remedy. 

In an acute prostatitis from cold, however, when supervening 
upon a chronic condition, we would find more occasion for its use, 
as the symptoms would be so distressing that the physician would 
be sent for at once. 

It is of value in acute orchitis and in retention of urine in infants 
(200) or children, especially from cold. 



224 MATERIA MEDICA. 

In the female sexual organs Aconite has been found of great 
value in ovaritis from cold, in suppressed (134) or painful menstru- 
ation from sudden chill or fright and in metrorrhagia, the blood 
bright red and hot (136) and associated with the mental anxiety 
and restlessness of the remedy. 

The cough of Aconite is hard and croupy or dry and hacking, 
with expectoration of blood or blood-streaked mucus (69), and 
it is of great value in the first stage of membranous croup (52), 
with high fever, great anxiety and restlessness, and in spasmodic 
or false croup (53) it is of constant use. 

In the hypersemic stage of pneumonia (150), the stage of in- 
vasion, prior to exudation, it will be found invaluable when 
associated with the symptoms that have been mentioned so often, 
the chill and chilliness alternating with fever, thirst, hot and dry 
skin, great restlessness and mental anxiety. After it has re- 
lieved the restlessness and anxiety and the patient has more or less 
of a moist skin, stop the remedy, for the time for Aconite has passed 
and some other drug must be selected, no matter how high the 
fever may remain. 

In haemoptysis (27) of bright red blood, the chief symptom 
would be the great mental anxiety shown by the patient. 

Aconite in small doses, physiological, accelerates the heart's 
action and later causes tumultuous beating. From larger doses 
we have paralysis. On account of its effect on the heart, I fear to 
use Aconite in the tincture. It is a very valuable and frequently 
indicated remedy in acute inflammations of the heart with sharp 
stitches, violent beating and great mental anxiety. In cardiac 
inflammations requiring this remedy, the patient is often obliged 
to lie on the back with the head raised. The febrile pulse is full, 
hard and rapid. 

Aconite is frequently overlooked in neuralgia of the extremities, 
especially the upper, with numbness of the limb as if the blood 
did not circulate freely, and particularly if the neuralgia is the 
result of cold or a sudden check of perspiration. Acute muscular 
rheumatism sometimes calls for it, but it is seldom indicated in 
inflammations of the joints. It has formication (82) as well as 
a tingling, asleep sensation in the limbs (71). 



ADONIS VERNALIS. 225 

Do not forget Aconite for sleeplessness (169), with or without 
fever, with great restlessness and mental anxiety; also, for those 
who are nervous and make up their mind before retiring that they 
will be unable to get to sleep. 

Many remedies follow well after Aconite or help to complete the 
cure that it has started; a few are: Am., Bell., Bry., Canth., Fer. 
phos., Iod., Spong. 

I use Aconite 6th. 

ACT^EA SPICATA. 

Baneberry — Herb Christopher. 

(Actcea — a/crea, aktea, the elder tree, from the resemblance of 
the leaves. Spicata — spica, a spike, having the form of a spike?) 

This plant, first proved by Dr. Petroz of Spain, is a native of 
Europe, having black berries (the American varieties have white 
or red berries). We use the root to prepare our tincture. 

Allen says: " Almost the only use of this drug has been for 
sub-acute rheumatic gout (84) of the small joints (161) associated 
with sour stomach." 

Hering gives as its most prominent symptom: ''Rheumatism 
showing itself partly in the small joints; pains in the wrists or 
finger-joints, very tender to the touch, excruciating, worse at 
night." 

I use Actcea 3rd. 

ADONIS VERNALIS. 

Pheasant's Eye. 

Adonis has bright scarlet petals, which are considered as em- 
blematical of the blood of Adonis, from which the plant is fabled 
to have sprung. 

The remedy has had only a fragmentary proving and our know- 
ledge of it is very limited. Its chief use, perhaps, has been in 
cardiac dropsies (63), especially when due to valvular lesions, 
including double lesions of the mitral valve. It is also of value 
as a palliative in cardiac affections following interstitial nephritis. 



226 MATERIA MEDICA. 

It causes the heart to become stronger and more regular, and 
increases the urinary secretion. 
I use Adonis in the tincture. 



^ESCULUS HIPPOCASTANUM 

Horse Chestnut. 

(JEsculus, the old Latin name for the Italian oak. Hippus, 
horse; Kastana, chestnut.) 

Horses and cattle are supposed to be fond of the seeds of the 
horse chestnut, especially if they are first boiled in potash and then 
washed in water to get rid of their bitter principles. For our use 
the hulled nut is pounded to a pulp and mixed with alcohol; the 
decanted and filtered liquid represents our tincture. 

While Msculus has long been known to the laity as a remedy 
and pocket-piece for rheumatism and haemorrhoids, it is not 
officinal in the U. S. Phar. and has been a homoeopathic remedy 
only since about 1873, when Dr. Cooley, of New York State, gave 
us our first recorded proving. 

Dr. E. M. Hale, who also proved it, tells us that its "central 
point of action is the liver and the portal system, and" that "nine 
out of ten of its symptoms are due to this action" and we find that 
its chief use, for engorged hemorrhoidal veins, gives us notice 
that the liver is congested. 

We are told that the Msculus patient is despondent and irritable. 
The despondency is easily understood when we think of the torpid 
liver, and the irritability we can consider as justified when we 
remember the state that the rectum is in. 

For purple, protruding piles, think of JEsculus. The haemor- 
rhoids may be internal, but blind or protruding, they are very sore, 
associated with dryness, burning (61) and itching (159), and a 
sensation as if sticks, splinters, gravel, or other irritating foreign 
substance, a chestnut-burr, were in the rectum. As a rule the 
haemorrhoids of JEsculus are non-bleeding (86). 

Associated with the haemorrhoids, we usually have a feeling of 
fullness in the region of the liver and aching in the small of the back 



jETHUSA CYNAPIUM. 227 

•"i 
or in the sacrum and hips, worse walking and stooping, and with 
difficulty in getting up after sitting. 

It has been used for leucorrhoea with backache, and for dys- 
menorrhea with this character of lumbago, even when not asso- 
ciated with any liver or hemorrhoidal trouble. 

It is a useful remedy in chronic follicular inflammation of the 
posterior wall of the pharynx (149), with rawness, dryness, burn- 
ing and difficulty in swallowing, and frequently the patient is 
also troubled with haemorrhoids. 

I use ^Esculus in the tincture. 

^ETHUSA CYNAPIUM. 

Dog Parsley or Poison — Fool's Parsley. 

(jEthusa — aidva-ao), aithusso, to set on fire; in reference to the 
acrid taste of the juice. Cynapium — Kww, kuno, a dog.) 

Because botanists tell us that intelligent people should be able 
to distinguish this plant from parsley, it gets its common name 
FooPs Parsley, owing to the mistake that is frequently made. 
Good men and competent ones differ as to whether JEthusa is 
poisonous or not. Usually considered as poisonous, certain soils 
or methods of preparation may render it non-toxic. 

JEthusa, first proved by Nenning, one of Hahnemann's fellow 
pro vers, in 1828, will not occupy much of our time, as we will only 
speak of it in the gastro-intestinal disorders of children, where we 
find frequent use for it. 

Its chief employment is for the vomiting of curds of milk, which 
may be "so large as to almost choke the child" (Bell), aod the 
evacuation by the bowels of curds of milk in nursing children. 

This vomiting, which occurs directly or very soon after nursing 
(208), consists of large sour curds and does not cause any special 
distress to the child, as it is ready to nurse again after vomiting. 

The diarrhoea of JEthusa may be thin, yellow or greenish (59), 
but the presence of curds of sour milk is the characteristic indica- 
tion for its use. 

Some very obstinate cases of gastro-intestinal catarrh (178) 
have been cured by this remedy, and it has even arrested convul- 
16 



228 MATERIA MEDICA. 

sions (36) and paralytic symptoms, which doubtless had their 
origin in indigestion. 
I use JEihusa 30th. 



AGARICUS MUSCARIUS. 

Toadstool — Fly Amanita — Fly Agaric. 

(Agaricus — ayaptKov, agarikon, a sort of tree-fungus. Mus- 
carius — musca, a fly.) 

Properly the word Agaricus belongs to a large genus of fungi 
consisting of over a thousand species, many of which are edible. 
Hering considering the usual name Agaricus "too vague," places 
the remedy under the word Amanita. 

Agaricus is a well-known poisonous fungus, that "has been 
used in Europe as a fly poison for hundreds of years. Cattle are 
poisoned as well as men by eating it, and it is supposed their flesh 
is thus rendered unwholesome" (U. S. Depart. Agricult., Bulletin 
No. 86). 

Agaricus was first proved by Stapf in 1828, and two years later 
by Hahnemann. It was also re-proved by the Austrian Society. 

It is a remedy to be thought of in nervous conditions and in so- 
called spinal irritation (171) and it acts especially well when these 
conditions seem to be caused, or at least aggravated by anaemia 
(15). 

There is a decided aggravation of many of the symptoms from 
walking in the open air, not necessarily cold air. 

The pains are apt to shift from place to place. Hering, in a 
foot-note, says: "Amanita is one of the few remedies in which the 
symptoms appear at the same time on opposite sides, but diagon- 
ally" and cites "upper left and lower right" (53). 

Boenninghausen reverses this, giving left lower and right upper, 
and places the symptom in the third grade. There are but few 
remedies having these crosswise symptoms at all prominent, and 
for others you are referred to the list given in Boenninghausen' s 
Therapeutic Pocket Book, page 179. According to Hughes we 
often have with the neuralgic pains calling for this remedy, a 



AGARICUS MUSCARIUS. 229 

sensation as though " sharp ice touched the parts (165), or cold 
needles ran through the nerves." 

Agaricus is used as an intoxicant in Siberia, producing conges- 
tion of the brain and stupidity, and Talcott speaks of it for " general 
paresis" (149) and for "paretic conditions after sexual and 
other debauches," with "trembling and twitching of groups of 
muscles." 

The headaches are neuralgic, mostly in small spots, sharp 
boring or piercing pain as from a nail (106) or "cold needles" 
(Hering); or the headaches are congestive and due to eye-strain, as 
from desk-work. It is a very valuable remedy in asthenopia (72) 
from prolonged strain, with weakness of the muscles and "swim- 
ming of the type," and spasm of accommodation, with twitching 
of the eyeballs and of the lids (79). For "spasms of the eyelids 
Agaricus is generally the best remedy" (Farrington). 

Anothe: valuable indication is in chorea (31) and chorea-like 
twitchings, especially of the facial muscles, and due to irritable 
nerves, the result of over-study or excessive brain-work. The 
grimaces and contortions in chorea increase in frequency as the 
exhaustion of the day progresses and while it is customary for them 
to cease during sleep, it is a prominent indication under Agaricus. 

In the nose we have irritation, spasmodic sneezing and dis- 
charge of pure water from the nostrils, but without inflammatory 
symptoms. In other words, all the appearances of a fresh and 
severe cold in the head that soon passes off only to return again 
two or three times during the day and for several days (37). In 
a milder form we more frequently find clear water dropping from 
the nose, without a cold in the head; the "old man's pearl." 

On the lips we find burning pimples which change to vesicles 
filled with yellow serum. These eruptions are often found in 
children given to licking the lips, jerkings and other more or less 
chorea-like symptoms. 

It is indicated in facial neuralgia, with electric-like stitches or a 
sensation as if splinters were being run between the skin and the 
flesh, and noticed especially in the infraorbital nerve and along 
the jaw. 

In neuralgic toothache we have shooting pains worse in the open 



230 MATERIA MEDICA. 

air (187), and in neuralgia of the tongue (192) calling for the 
remedy, we have burning, splinter-like pains and salivation. 

There is also found a gastro-enteritis, with severe and sharp 
griping pains and great flatulence (81), with or without diarrhoea. 
In many nervous conditions, large amounts of inodorous flatus 
is a characteristic of the remedy. 

Again, in nervous conditions, the urine is usually scanty, 
although there may be frequent desire to pass it. 

Agaricus is to be thought of in dysmenorrhea, with terrible 
bearing down pains, which are spasmodic, and associated with 
itching of the external genitals. There are also neuralgic pains 
in the vulva. 

The cough is apt to be worse during the day, and either a con- 
stant inclination to cough, which can be mostly suppressed (41) 
and with only occasional bursts of dry, painful cough, or we have 
a nervous (46) cough that comes on in sudden convulsive at- 
tacks and may cause haemorrhage from the lungs. At times we 
have a spasmodic cough, without expectoration, at night soon 
after falling asleep (40). The spasmodic coughs usually have 
expectoration of thick mucus, especially early in the attack, and 
this is one of the few remedies that have expectoration of small 
hard lumps of mucus (69). 

In the chest, while many of the sensations are of a neuralgic 
character, sticking pains, et cetera, worse from exercise and after 
eating, others seem to be dependent on the abnormal circulation 
in the lungs caused by Agaricus, such as a sensation of constric- 
tion, with dyspnoea, caused by contracted blood vessels and 
unoxidized blood, better from deep breathing and walking, the 
latter being an amelioration the reverse of that usually found in 
this remedy. 

The heart is easily irritated, having irregular tumultuous beat- 
ing (112), and it is of value for the palpitation of tea and coffee 
drinkers and tobacco smokers (114). 

Along the spine, stitches, burning and aching are prominent and 
it is useful in spinal irritation (171), with extreme sensitiveness 
of the spine to touch, most severe in the upper dorsal region. In 



AGNUS CASTUS. 231 

lumbago, we find a great variety of muscular pains, all worse on 
walking in the open air. 

In the extremities, we find twitching of the muscles and sharp, 
shooting, neuralgic pains, shifting from place to place (149), and 
worse on motion, and it is of value for the neuralgic pains of loco- 
motor ataxia (127). 

On the skin, we have itching, burning and redness, especially- 
noticeable in the toes, fingers and ears (64), as if the parts had 
been frost-bitten and were burning on being restored, with " aggra- 
vation from heat" (Dearborn) ; and Agaricus is a valuable remedy 
for the bad effects of frost-bite (82), and for chilblains (31). 

I use Agaricus 3rd. 

AGNUS CASTUS. 

Chaste Tree. 

(Agnus — ayvos, agnos, the name of the tree Agnus castus. 
Castus, chaste.) 

This remedy was first proved by Hahnemann, but the report 
was not published until 1841, and then by Stapf in the Archives. 

While our school is the only one to use this plant, it was formerly 
employed as an antaphrodisiac. 

"The name of the plant hints at its special action; and its 
history points the same way. It was used by Athenian women 
during religious solemnities and by mediaeval monks to repress 
carnal desire" (Hughes). 

On the homoeopathic principle, that a remedy will cure a con- 
dition similar to that which it causes, we find that the most promi- 
nent action of the chaste tree seems to be on chaste men, provided 
we accept as our definition of chaste — free from sexual intercourse. 
This chastity, however, in cases requiring Agnus c, is nothing that 
they can claim any credit for, because, as we will find, it is impos- 
sible for them to be otherwise. 

The symptoms calling your attention to the remedy in loss of 
sexual power in men, amounting even to complete impotency 
(168), are, relaxation of the penis, which is not excited by volup- 
tuous fancies, associated with coldness of the genital organs (168). 



232 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Dr. Bukk G. Carleton, who always has a pleasing way of dealing 
with a disagreeable subject, says in one of his articles, that Agnus 
c. "is especially useful in those advanced in years, who in their 
youth have carried sexual indulgence to extremes and who, while 
physically impotent, are mentally as excitable as in early life" 
(167). 

Hering, referring to the same condition, says that it is useful 
for "old sinners," also for "premature old age, which arises in 
young persons from abuse of the sexual powers, marked by melan- 
choly, apathy and general debility." 

It has proved useful for loss of sexual power following gonor- 
rhoea, or associated with a chronic gleety discharge (83). 

In women, the remedy has been used where there is great re- 
laxation of the genital organs (203), with leucorrhcea, or where 
during lactation there is scanty and diminished secretion of milk, 
with perfect abhorrence of sexual intercourse. 

Mentally we have sadness, with the impression of speedy death, 
and this symptom has led to the successful use of the remedy 
in puerperal mania (129). 

I use Agnus c. 3rd. 

AILANTHUS 

Chinese Sumac or Sumach — Tree of Heavex. 

(Ailanthus — derived from ailonto, a Malacca name said to mean 
tree of Heaven.) 

The ailanthus tree is a native of China and Japan and in the 
latter country some silk worms are fed on its leaves instead of the 
mulberry, the cost being much less and the product, it is claimed, 
being much tougher and stronger. 

The ailanthus is a rapid growing and pretty looking tree, but 
with a very disagreeable odor during the flowering season, and 
was first introduced into this country about the year 1800. 

The late Dr. Henry Minton, father of our Prof. Minton, was one 
of the first provers of this naturalized tree. 

According to Millspaugh, ailanthus "has caused more newspaper 
comment than any other" tree "now planted in this country.'' 



ALLIUM CEPA. 233 

First grown on account of its beauty, it soon rose to great popular- 
ity on account of its supposed power of absorbing malarial poisons. 
(The Australian eucalyptus was later considered just as efficacious.) 

Then the people began to wonder and say that if this tree had 
the power of absorbing the poison, might it not also throw it off 
at certain times? The odor during the flowering season lending 
color to this view, a crusade was organized against it, which in this 
city had the aid of the Department of Health, and all the ailanthus 
trees were ordered cut down. At present there are more than we 
need for medicinal purposes. 

"Ailanthus causes nausea, vomiting, great relaxation of the 
muscles, and death-like sickness, very similar to that produced" 
(Millspaugh) by the early use of tobacco. 

The principal use that we make of this remedy is in scarlet 
fever, with symptoms of depression and general stupor (164). 

The eruption is slow in appearing and is of a livid hue, and when 
pressed out, with the finger, it returns very slowly. If diphtheria 
complicates this condition, we have a livid appearance of the 
throat (62), grayish exudation, great swelling both internal and 
external, with ichorous discharge from the nose and sordes on the 
teeth. 

It is of value in scarlet fever, with deep coma (164), rash pale 
violet, involuntary discharges from the bladder and rectum, tip 
of nose (44) and extremities cold. 

I use Ailanthus 3rd. 



ALLIUM CEPA. 

Onion — Common Red Onion. 

(Allium or Alium, garlic. Cepa, onion.) 

Allium cepa is frequently spoken of as Cepa and under that 
name it is to be found in some of our materia medicas. 

Hering, who first started to prove the remedy in 1847, the report 
being published ten years later, says that it has been "in use as a 
medicine since time immemorial" and quotes many authorities. 
He says: " Dioscorides, the Greek physician, and physicians follow- 



234 MATERIA MEDICA. 

ing him, among the Arabians, had a glimpse of the truth of similia. 
for they used the onion to cure the symptoms they knew it was 
capable of producing; but with Galen all reasonable investigation 
ceased." 

Hering also says of Allium cepa: "It is mentioned in the Old 
Testament under the name Bejel, which the Hebrews craved, 
as in our time, coffee and tobacco are craved." 

Those of you who have served as out-door physicians are 
probably convinced that the craving for the onion still exists. 

The first and most marked effects of Allium cepa are catarrhal, 
the eyes, nose and larynx being mostly involved. 

In addition we have neuralgic pains like a fine thread, especially 
of the extremities. 

There is in Allium cepa a general aggravation from warm air 
(9). 

The headache is usually a dull pain, located mostly in the fore- 
head and extending across to the temples and downwards to the 
eyes (39) and into the face, and associated with coryza (95), and it is 
in acute, fluent coryza (37) that you will find the most frequent 
use for this remedy. 

If you watch a person peeling onions in a warm room with the 
windows closed, you will see a pretty good picture of the Allium 
cepa coryza. 

There is a profuse lachrymation with redness of the eye- 
balls and burning and smarting, but as a rule no excoriation of 
the lids. There is a copious, watery flow from the nose (37), the 
discharge being acrid (37), and burning (39), terminating in ex- 
coriation and soreness. 

If you see the case early, the patient will frequently tell you 
that wiping the nose so continuously is beginning to make it sore ; 
he is not yet aware of the excoriating character of the discharge. 

There is frequent sneezing which seems to scrape or rasp the 
mucous membrane of the nose and throat. 

Along with the coryza we have frontal headache (95), which, 
with the sneezing and the running from the nose, are relieved while 
in the open air (37). 

Associated with this coryza or following it, we usually find great 



ALOE. 235 

hoarseness, with pain on talking (117), and cough, with a feeling 
as if the larynx would split or as if the mucous membrane would 
be torn out on coughing (51), and excessive watering of the eyes 
(51). 

Allium cepa has been used for neuralgias following amputations 
(15), or injuries of nerves (142), characterized by fine, thread- 
like pains, shooting but not burning. 

Aloe and Squilla are incompatibles with Allium cepa. 

I use Allium cepa 1st. 

ALOE 

Aloe Socotrina. 

There are several varieties of aloe, but for the preparation of our 
tincture, which equals in drug power the lx, the inspissated juice 
of the Socotrine Aloe is used. 

The Socotrine Aloe is a product of Aloe socotrina, growing upon 
the shores of the Indian Ocean and the Island of Socotra, and has 
no reference to the fragrant wood of the Scriptures, which is not 
now looked upon as an Aloe. 

"The ancients" used aloes "to purge off the bile" (Dunham) 
and the moderns of the old school use it principally as a purgative, 
its effects showing in from ten to twelve hours after swallowing. 

Many of the cathartics on the market to-day contain aloes. 
Brandreth's Pills are said to contain a little colocynth, more gam- 
boge and twice as much aloes, while Carter's Little Liver Pills con- 
sist of two parts of aloes, to one part of podophyllin ; but whatever 
the contents, we, as homoeopaths, can usually name the principal 
ingredient of a purge from the symptoms that it produces. 

Aloe was first proved by Dr. Helbig, of Germany, in 1833, but 
Drs. Hering, Raue and others added a great deal to the first report. 

The most pronounced action of Aloe is the engorgement of the 
pelvic viscera, increasing hemorrhoidal congestion and uterine 
haemorrhage, and the very characteristic diarrhoea and flatulence. 

The abdominal symptoms are apt to be associated with pressure 
and fulness in the region of the liver, as well as with aching above 
forehead and heaviness in eyes. 



236 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Aloe has cured a chronic headache where the guiding symptom 
leading to the choice of the remedy was a pressure on the eyes 
from above, and a feeling as if it were necessary to contract the 
eyes and make them very small in order to see (from Dunham). 

Hering gives first place to the symptom from Lippe that the 
" headaches are worse from heat and better from cold applications" 
(92). 

There is always in Aloe, a great deal of flatus in the abdomen, 
with gurgling (11) from the motion of the flatus, which presses 
downward, with a feeling as if there were a plug between the 
symphysis pubis and coccyx (34). 

Engorgement of the hemorrhoidal veins is one of the most 
constant effects noticed, and the haemorrhoids for which we pre- 
scribe the remedy (86) are sore, swollen and protrude at stool, 
which is usually a diarrhoea, and they are " relieved by cold water" 
(Lippe). 

The diarrhoea of Aloe is characteristic and Allen adds the word, 
treacherous. 

The stool is semi-fluid or watery, and associated with a good 
deal of flatus which passes easily. 

When the desire for stool comes it must be attended to at once. 
The patient does not have a proper sense of the accumulation of 
faecal matter in the rectum and there is loss of power in the sphinc- 
ter (62), so that the stool escapes without effort. 

There is a sense of insecurity in the rectum, with a loss of con- 
fidence in the sphincter and one cannot decide whether it is flatus 
or faeces that wishes to pass; he will rush to the closet and find 
that the excitement has been caused by flatus; the next time he 
does not go and regrets it. 

A pathogenetic symptom states it broadly when it says, "weak- 
ness of sphincter, so that cleanliness was difficult." The Aloe 
patient dares not urinate without being prepared for stool (62). 

We have all been taught that we must not ask leading questions. 
If we do not in the case of an Aloe diarrhoea we will not be apt to 
prescribe the remedy, as our patients will not volunteer the inform- 
ation, as they look upon their condition as "too disgusting for any- 



ALUMINA. 237 

thing. " You will find also that while the word eructation is con- 
sidered a polite form of speech, the word flatus is taboo. 

While Dunham says "the diarrhoea comes on early in the morn- 
ing, say at 5 a. m.," Allen said in his lecture, " there is no aggrava- 
tion as regards time." There is aggravation soon after eating 
(57). 

The dysentery calling for Aloe has as its chief characteristic 
this feeling of insecurity of the sphincter, which Dunham refers to 
as " striking the patient between wind and water." The stools 
are of jelly-like lumps, or may be of pure blood, not much tenes- 
mus but intense pain, soreness and burning in rectum (61) after 
the stool (61). 

In constipation it is to be thought of when there is heavy pres- 
sure in the lower part of the abdomen and especially a feeling of 
a plug in the pelvis (34). 

There is a tendency towards engorgment of the uterus in Aloe 
and the uterus feels heavy with blood (202) and it is a valuable 
remedy in uterine haemorrhage, with great heaviness of the uterus 
and a sensation of a plug between the pubis and coccyx. 

I use Aloe 1st. 

ALUMINA. 

Chemically Prepared Aluminum Oxide — AI2O3, Pure Clay. 

First proved by, or under the direction of Hahnemann. 

Alumina should always be spelled out in full in our books on 
materia medica, as otherwise we might confuse it with Alumen 
or alum, the crystallized double sulphate of aluminum and 
potassium. Alumen is a remedy seldom used and will not be 
spoken of here. 

The action of Alumina is especially directed to mucous mem- 
branes, with dryness, and to the spinal nerves. 

While Allen does not speak of the type of the Alumina patient, 
Hering says that it is adapted to " spare, dry, thin" people "of 
scrofulous habit who suffer from chronic diseases." 

It is also useful for infants who are being artificially fed; those 
who have as a steady diet one of the many kinds of prepared foods, 



238 MATERIA MEDICA. 

each one of which corresponds closer to mother's milk than any 
of the others, if we are to believe the advertisements. 

Mentally, the Alumina patient is low-spirited and hypochon- 
driacal, irritable and peevish, and Talcott refers to the symptom 
of thoughts of suicide on seeing blood or knives, but with aversion 
to the idea. The mental symptoms are worse in the morning and 
improve as the day advances. 

It is a remedy of great value in spinal degeneration, especially 
in locomotor ataxia (127), having amongst other symptoms, 
inability to walk, except with the eyes open and in the daytime; 
heaviness of limbs and staggering when walking ; feeling in sole as if 
soft and swollen and numbness of heel when stepping on it. 

Bcenninghausen, being guided by symptoms of the oxide, cured 
four cases of locomotor ataxia with Aluminum metallicum. 

Dryness is a prominent symptom in many conditions calling for 
Alumina and in the eyes the most important indications are the 
burning and dryness, without much discharge and without des- 
truction of tissue; especially useful in catarrhal inflammation of 
the conjunctiva, with dryness and smarting, and great loss of 
power of the eyelids, "especially the left" (Hering), so that it is 
difficult to open the lids (78). 

It has been found of benefit for squinting in children during 
teething. 

There is dimness of vision, or vision as if looking through a fog 
(78) or as if hairs or feathers were before the eyes, with necessity 
to rub the eyes constantly. 

In the nose, it is useful in chronic nasal catarrh, especially of 
old people, with dryness of the mucous membrane and discharge of 
indurated masses (143) of mucus, and soreness and ulceration 
internally; associated with the soreness, the tip is often swollen 
and red (145). In post-nasal catarrh (143), there would be drop- 
ping of thick mucus, pain in root of nose (96) and loss of smell 
(170). • 

There is a chronic catarrhal condition of the pharynx, with dry- 
ness and irritation on swallowing food, which can be felt "the whole 
length of the oesophagus" (Hering). 

The characteristic sore throat, especially as found in speakers 



ALUMINA. 239 

(118), has inflammation of the mucous membrane and great dry- 
ness, frequently with a sharp splintery feeling on swallowing (190) ; 
associated with this there is relaxation of the uvula (44) which 
causes a persistent tickling cough, with constant inclination to 
clear the throat. 

As a rule, cases requiring Alumina are also troubled with consti- 
pation. This constipation is caused by dryness of the rectum, 
which is inactive, there being no desire for stool, or as Hering says, 
"no desire for, and no ability to pass stool, until there is a large 
accumulation." 

Along with the dryness there is soreness of both rectum and anus. 
The stools are scanty and consist of small hard balls (35), like 
"laurel berries" and maybe, "covered with mucus" (Hering) 
(35), and during the movement there is cutting in anus as if it were 
constricted (158), or as if it were too narrow. The rectum and 
anus are so dry that the hard stool frequently causes bleeding 
(34). It is frequently indicated in the constipation of children 
(34), and infants, especially those that have been artificially fed, 
with dry and inflamed rectum, the dry stool being followed by 
blood (34). 

The urine under Alumina, is passed while straining at stool or 
the patient often has to strain as if at stool in order to pass urine 
(200). There are involuntary emissions (167) particularly when 
straining at stool, and this is a valuable indication in impotency 
(168) and sexual weakness, especially in elderly people. 

The Alumina woman is apt to be chlorotic (17), with, at 
puberty, abnormal appetite for indigestible things such as chalk, 
starch, etc. (9); the menses are scanty and pale, "simply colored 
water" (Minton), but followed by great exhaustion (138). 

The ieucorrhcea is profuse (126), acrid (126) and transparent, 
causing burning in the genitals, which is relieved by cold water; 
at times the Ieucorrhcea flows only in the daytime (126). 

There is general dryness of the skin under Alumina, frequently 
with intolerable itching and usually associated with the constipa- 
tion of the remedy. This itching may be over the whole body, is 
worse when overheated and from the warmth of the bed (122) and 
the patient scratches until the skin bleeds (122). 



240 MATERIA MEDICA. 

There is also a sensation of tension of the skin of the face or 
around the eyes, as if the white of an egg had dried there ; the chin, 
it is recorded, feels as if covered with a cobweb (79). 

These similar sensations should have the same wordings, but as 
they were reported by different provers, each one recorded the 
sensation in his own but unfortunately in different words. 

If our materia medica could be gone over by a committee, with 
power to place the numerous words and expressions that have the 
same meaning under one heading, it would simplify the study of 
our symptomatology and reduce the size of our repertories. 

I use Alumina 30th. 

AMBRA GRISEA. 

Ambergris. 

Ambra grisea, a morbid excretion of the sperm whale, was first 
proved by Hahnemann, who directs, on account of its sparing 
solubility in alcohol, that it should be triturated up to the third 
potency, which is powerful enough for our use. Hering, differing 
from Hahnemann, says: "The alcoholic tincture is the best pre- 
paration. 7 ' 

Ambra grisea is indicated in persons who are debilitated by age 
(147) or overwork, who are ansemic (15), nervous and sleepless, 
with asleep feeling in the arms and legs (71), or twitching in the 
muscles (193). 

It has a nervous (46), paroxysmal cough that is worse on wak- 
ing in the morning (40) and is associated with frequent eructa- 
tions (50) and great soreness of the chest. 

Dr. W. S. Searle, of Brooklyn, reports that in a case of angina 
pectoris, he confirmed this symptom, " palpitation, with pressure 
in chest as from a lump lodged there, or as if the chest were ob- 
structed. " 

I have used Ambra grisea 3rd. 

AMMONIA SALTS. 

Ammonia derives its name from the Egyptian god, Ammon, 
"the hidden one," near whose temple muriate of ammonia was 
originally prepared from camel's dung. 



AMMONIUM CARB. 241 

"Ammonia is produced in the juices of various nitrogenous 
animal and vegetable substances in their putrefactive changes. . . . 
17,000 pounds of ammoniacal salts have been prepared annually 

in Paris from urine Guano is a great repository of it 

The shavings of stag's horns have been used to prepare it, hence 
the popular name given to the hydrate, spirits of hartshorn" 
(Appleton's Cyclop.). 

At present, we obtain most of our supply from gas-houses, it 
being a by-product from the distillation of coal. 

Although we do not use the ammonia salts to the same extent as 
those of the other alkalies, Hahnemann speaks of them as great 
anti-psorics, and they exert a considerable influence on the blood, 
Am. carb., especially, producing disintegration of the blood, 
with tendency towards haemorrhages. 

The ammonia salts act powerfully on mucous membranes and 
are of value in catarrhal conditions, especially of the respiratory 
tract. 

Farrington, adding to the classification of Hering, says: "The 
ammonium salts taken as a class, are best suited to rather fat and 
bloated persons," and of the two introduced by Hahnemann, 
"Ammonium carb. is particularly indicated in fat flabby indivi- 
duals of indolent disposition who lead a sedentary life. Ammon- 
ium mur. is best indicated for fat sluggish individuals particularly 
when the adipose tissue is mostly distributed over the trunk, the 
legs being disproportionately thin." 



AMMONIUM GARB. 

Volatile Ammonia — Smelling Salt. 

(Aromatic spirits of ammonia, which we do not use, is a mixture 
of Ammonium carb. and hydrate, oils of lemon, nutmeg and laven- 
der, alcohol and water.) 

Am. carb., which Hahnemann speaks of as using in the 30th, is 
a remedy to be thought of in states of great prostration, with fall- 
ing temperature (156), in purpura hemorrhagica (158), and in 
haemorrhage from the bowels (193). 



242 MATERIA MEDICA. 

It is of use in cases of poisoning from coal gas or charcoal 
fumes (27), with oedema of the lungs, cyanosis (207) and uncon- 
sciousness. 

Am. carb. is a remedy to be thought of in the beginning of 
cerebro-spinal meningitis (133), when the severity of the symp- 
toms is the pronounced feature of the case; the patient falls into 
a stupid non-reactive state, he is cold, the surface of the body and 
the lips are cyanotic (207) and the pulse weak. In such a case 
Am. carb. will bring about a reaction so that you may be enabled 
to see the picture of the remedy that will effect a cure. 

On the same lines and with similar symptoms, it is of use 
in uraemia (193), especially with somnolence, or drowsiness, 
and cyanosis; in pneumonia when there is great debility, with 
symptoms pointing to the formation of a heart clot ; in low types of 
scarlet (164) and typhoid fevers, with stupor, cyanosis and ten- 
dency to haemorrhage (193). 

Ammonium carb. has vertigo, especially in the morning, and a 
feeling of looseness of the brain (91), as if it fell from side to side, 
whichever way the head was turned. In the eyes it may be 
thought of in muscular asthenopia (72) from overstraining the 
eyes, as from sewing, with the appearance of yellow spots on look- 
ing at white objects. 

It is a remedy that has cured epistaxis, caused by washing the 
face (142) or hands, or that comes on after eating, and it has a 
coryza, not fluent, but with acrid (37) and hot discharge (39). 

As might be expected the menses are too early and too profuse 
(135) and acrid, making the thighs sore. There is also tendency 
to easy haemorrhage from the uterus. 

The leucorrhoea is profuse (126), acrid (126) and burning (126), 
and Minton speaks of it as " smelling like ammonia." 

In chronic coughs it is of value, and in chronic bronchitis of old 
people (47), the cough worse in the early morning hours, the 
pathogenetic symptom saying 3-4 a. m. (40), sometimes with 
bloody expectoration (69). 

The cough is either dry, as from dust or tickling as from a feather 
(43) in the larynx or under the sternum, and with great short- 
ness of breath ; we also find large amounts of mucus in the chest 



AMMONIUM MUR. 243 

(45), especially with emphysema (66) and Hering speaks of it as 
"one of the best remedies in emphysema/' with inability to raise 
any mucus at all or only after the greatest exertion. 

Lack, is incompatible with Ammonium carb. 

I use Ammonium carb. 3rd. 

AMMONIUM CAUST. 

Ammonium Hydrate — Aqua Ammonia. 

Just two words in reference to this remedy. 

Remember it for spasm of the glottis (25), with suffocation 
and gasping for breath (190). 

Also in acute aphonia or laryngitis, with great debility or with 
burning and rawness in the throat. Of special value for those 
who must use their voice (117) and where haste is imperative. 

I use Ammonium caust. 3rd. 

AMMONIUM MUR. 

Ammonium Chloride — Sal- Ammoniac. 

An important point in the differentiation between Am. carb. 
and mur., is the decided increase in the catarrhal secretions under 
the latter remedy, and noticed especially in the air-passages, 
vagina and intestinal tract. 

A symptom having greater prominence under this remedy than 
under any other, is a feeling of coldness between the scapulae (168), 
and noticed especially in association with catarrhal conditions. 

The coryza is profuse and watery, with sneezing, running of 
clear water from the nose and loss of smell (170). The discharge 
is. scalding hot (39) and acrid (37), making the nose, internally, 
very sore to touch and excoriating the upper lip. Associated with 
the coryza we are apt to have a feeling of coldness between the 
shoulder-blades. 

The Ammonium mur. patient may be constipated, due to a 
chronic congestion of the liver, and associated with much rumbling 
in the abdomen (11) and emission of flatus. 
17 



244 MATERIA MEDICA. 

The stools in constipation are hard, crumbly and scanty, re- 
quiring great expulsive effort, or what is more characteristic of 
the remedy, hard stools covered with mucus (35). 

We may have diarrhcea, with much flatulence, alternating 
(58) with constipation, or a chronic diarrhcea occurring during 
menstruation (58), with green (59) mucous stools or bloody and 
watery. 

Menstruation, which is usually attended with flatulent disten- 
tion of the abdomen (138), is too early and too profuse (135), 
with increased flow at night (134). 

The leucorrhcea is profuse (126) and albuminous (126), looking 
like the white of an egg. 

The cough of Ammonium mur. may be dry and accompanied 
by stitches in the chest (49), or it may be dry during the day and 
loose during the evening or night, which is an unusual order (45). 
Generally the cough is loose, with much rattling of mucus in the 
chest (45) and profuse expectoration of ropy, tenacious mucus 
(69). The cough is worse when lying on the back (42) or r. 
side (42). 

It is of value for broncho-pneumonia (151) and for the chronic 
cough of old people (47), but in all catarrhal conditions of the 
chest we are apt to have a sensation of coldness between the 
shoulders (168). 

It is a remedy to be thought of for chronic sprains (173) and it 
is useful when there is a contraction of the ham-string tendons 
(88), which seem tight when walking and better or looser by 
continued motion. 

The sciatica is worse when sitting (164), somewhat better when 
walking, and entirely relieved when lying. 

It is one of the remedies that has been used with success for 
neuralgic pains in stumps of amputated limbs (15), and for 
tearing, stitching pains from ulceration in the heels (71), worse 
at night in bed, better by rubbing. 

I use Ammonium mur. 3rd. 



AMYL NITROSUM. 245 

AMMONIUM PHOSPHORIGUM. 

Ammonium Phosphate. 

Think of Ammonium phos. in chronic gout, with nodosities (84), 
especially of the joints of the fingers (161). 

Farrington tells us that "it is not to be used for the acute symp- 
toms, nor for the twinges of pain, but when the disease has become 
systemic, and when concretions of urate of soda appear in the 
joints." 

AMYL NITROSUM. 

Amyl Nitrate — Amyl Alcohol and Nitric Acid. 

Amyl nit., even in small doses, paralyzes the vasomotor nerves, 
with the resulting relaxation, and dilatation of all arterioles and 
capillaries. It relaxes the whole arterial system, causing flushing 
of the upper part of the body, and rapid tumultuous action of the 
heart (112). 

The action of Amyl nit. is rapid, beginning in half a minute after 
being inhaled or swallowed, and it is soon over with, so when we give 
it homceopathically it must be repeated frequently. It is very 
volatile and on exposure loses its efficacy. 

It can be obtained in any drug store in glass beads or "pearls" 
containing from 3-5 drops, and I always carry a 3 drop pearl 
packed in cotton in my medicine bag. 

Some of the uses to which we put these pearls are for temporary 
relief in epileptiform convulsions, attacks of angina pectoris and 
for sunstroke, with surging of blood to the head and face, staring 
eyes, oppressed respiration and choking in throat. If it was not 
for its volatile character, and its fruity odor, as of over ripe pears 
or bananas, I believe we would be more inclined to have Amyl 
nit. with us and see more frequent indications for its use than we 
do at present. 

It is of value in violent neuralgic headache, with great flushing 
and heat of the face, dyspnoea and gasping for breath, and tremu- 
lousness, or the flushing and heat alternating with paleness and 
coldness, especially of one side of the face. Also of value for 
flushing of the face from the "slightest emotion" (Hering), for 



246 MATERIA MEDICA. 

" the effect of mental emotions, joy" (Hale) or grief, with hysterical 
symptoms, flushing, palpitation, etc., as well as in exophthalmic 
goitre (83) the result of grief, with the characteristic flushing of 
the remedy and irregular tumultuous action of the heart (112). 

It is useful when the menses are delayed for a few days, or 
when they have been suppressed, or after the cessation of the 
menses at the climacteric, with throbbing headache (32), or 
surging of blood to the head and general hot flushes (32) of the 
face and upper part of the body, the hot flushes often attended 
with perspiration of the face and neck. It has been used in met- 
rorrhagia, the blood bright red and hot (136) and it is said to be 
of value in hour-glass contraction of the uterus. 

In the heart the prominent feature of Amyl nit. is the rapid and 
violent action. It is useful in cardiac anxiety and oppression 
(110), with pain and sensation of constriction around the heart 
(113), along with tumultuous action of the heart (112) and violent 
pulsation in the carotids. 

It is of value as a palliative in hypertrophy of the heart (110), 
with insufficiency of the aortic valves and usually associated with 
severe congestive headache. 

I have never used Amyl nit. higher than the 3rd. 



ANACARDIUM 

Oriental Anacardium — Malacca Bean — Marking-Nut Tree. 

(Anacardium — ava, ana, pertaining to or resembling; KarjSux, 
cardia, heart, the fruit being heart-shaped.) 

Anacardium had been a famous remedy among the Arabians, 
but as Hahnemann, who first proved it, says: " During the last 
one thousand years this powerful and sanative remedy had fallen 
into total oblivion" (Chr. Dis.). 

The three characteristic symptoms of this remedy, one or more 
of which you will usually find when you prescribe it, are loss of 
memory, inclination to swear and plug-like pains. 

I never fully understood why Anacardium was known as the 
"Student's drug" until the following explanation was given me 



ANACARDIUM. 247 

by one of our Seniors, who said: "I suppose the reason is because 
we are apt to develop a loss of memory, especially during quizzes 
or at examination time, with the resulting uncomplimentary re- 
marks concerning the questioner; but while we may not take the 
prizes, if we only plug along we will get our diplomas and make 
damn good doctors afterwards." 

The weakness of memory (133) as found in Anacardium, ranges 
from forgetfulness of single names, to where he cannot remember 
anything or forgets what he is told immediately after he hears it. 

The sensation of a plug is very common and varies from the 
feeling of a plug or wedge being driven into a part, and so causing 
the pain, to an urging to stool that is ineffectual because the rectum 
seems to be plugged up. 

The tendency to use strong language, as a result of mental dis- 
ease, shows itself in a state of excessive anger at slight offense, 
or where he takes everything in bad part and becomes violent, 
with an irresistible desire to curse and swear (184). 

It is a remedy that has been used in alcoholism (54) ; he is rest- 
less and sleepless and hears voices saying that he is going to die. 

In melancholia there is loss of memory (133), with difficulty in 
collecting his thoughts, and Allen tells us that this has "been 
relieved in syphilitic patients but without marked relief of the 
general syphilitic symptoms." 

He is suspicious of everything around him, and fears that he is 
being pursued (53), or he has a fixed idea of demons, that he is 
surrounded by enemies, or that he is possessed of two persons or 
wills (54), "one commanding what the other forbids" (Lilien- 
thal). 

One other condition we will speak of here and that is in reference 
to dreams. The Anacardium patient dreams of fire, about dead 
bodies (62) or of being near a tomb. 

The headaches are pressing, as from a plug (106), worse on 1. 
side, digging or throbbing in character, better from eating (92), 
but worse from any attempt to use the mind (93) or by overwork; 
and Anacardium is a valuable remedy for brain-fag (93). 

One of the hallucinations that we may meet with as calling for 
this remedy, is where they smell filth (171) wherever they go and 



248 MATERIA MEDICA. 

especially when smelling their own clothes or body, or as of pigeon 
or chicken-dung, as the pathogenetic symptom puts it. 

Anacardium is useful for dyspepsia and for nausea during preg- 
nancy (153), in both conditions where there is relief while or from 
eating (174) but the trouble soon returns. 

A symptom found in Hahnemann's Chronic Diseases and con- 
sidered by many as characteristic of the remedy, is where the 
dyspeptic pains return two hours after eating (174). 

Constipation is the rule in cases requiring Anacardium. 

The stools are very sluggish and the rectum seems plugged up 
(35) and the attempt to have a movement causes distress in the 
abdomen. There is frequent urging to stool (34), but it comes 
to nothing, for when at stool the inclination ceases. 

Some of the pains peculiar to the remedy that we will simply 
mention are: pressure as from a plug on the upper margin of the 
orbit; sensation of pressure against the tympanum; sensation 
around umbilicus as if a blunt plug were squeezed into the intes- 
tines ; dull pain on or in the chest, as from a plug. 

It is useful for palpitation (111) especially in old people and for 
pericarditis, especially rheumatic (162), with sticking pains or 
stitches in cardiac region which are double, or where one stitch 
is quickly followed by another and then there is a long interval 
without pain. 

Anacardium is useful in diseases of the spinal cord (172) with 
paralysis of single parts. We have also a sensation of a band 
around the body (165) and along with this a feeling as of a plug 
pressing in the spine, so that any motion of the trunk causes pain 
as if the plug were sticking still further into the body. 

We have a stiffness or paralyzed feeling in the knees making walk- 
ing almost impossible, a sensation as if the knees were bandaged 
(165) and cramplike (71), intermittent drawing pain from the 
heels into the calves. 

It has been found of value in injuries of tendons and in chronic 
rheumatic troubles. 

The fruit of the Anacardium tree contains between the outer 
hard sheel and the kernel, a thickish, blackish juice which is used 
for marking linen. This juice is so acrid that warts or moles can 



ANTIMONIUM CRUDUM. 249 

be cauterized with it, and if it comes in contact with the skin it 
causes painful pustular eruptions. 

Anacardium is a valuable remedy in skin affections, especially 
eczema, " neurotic eczema" (Dearborn) and pustular eruptions. 
In its skin symptoms it is similar to, and must be compared with 
Rhus tox., but it has not been prescribed often enough, or at least 
the reports of its cures are not sufficiently numerous to enable one 
to make close comparisons or differentiations. Dearborn says 
that "it occupies a very much narrower space in the therapeutic 
field." 

We do know that there is excessive itching and burning and 
Dearborn says with "morning and late evening aggravations," 
but whether as a rule, better or worse from scratching or heat, I 
cannot tell you. 

The great irritability of the mind caused by or associated with 
this condition would be a leading indication. 
, I use Anacardium 3rd. 

ANTIMONIUM ARSENITUM 

There are two conditions in which I will ask you to remember 
Antimonium ars. 

The one where it will prove of value is in bronchitis and broncho- 
pneumonia (151), where we have the loose Ant. tart, cough, with 
rattling of mucus in the chest (45) and the extreme prostration 
(34) and restlessness (160) as found under Ars. 

The other is where in emphysema (66), there is excessive 
dyspnoea (24) and cough, worse eating (41) and lying down (41). 

I use Antimonium ars. 3rd. 

ANTIMONIUM CRUDUM 

Antimonius Sulphide — Stibnite — Sb2S3 

While first proved by Caspari, one of Hahnemann's fellow- 
provers, the latter made some additions to its pathogenesis and 
recommends its use in the 30th. The first published account of 
the proving was in 1828. 



250 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Antimonium crud. is a general tissue remedy. (While the 
following definition is not wholly accurate, we can think of a tissue 
remedy as one especially valuable in chronic conditions.) 

The chief manifestations of the remedy are on the mucous 
membranes and on the skin. 

There is general aggravation from cold water, whether taken 
internally or applied externally (8), after eating and from vine- 
gar and sour wines (5). 

In many conditions, in children especially, the disposition of 
the patient determines the choice of the remedy. 

Extreme irritability and fretfulness in children (30) is the key- 
note to the use of Antimonium crud., especially in a great variety 
of stomach disorders. The child cannot bear to be touched or 
even looked at. 

The young or grown person is sulky and disinclined to speak; 
grows sentimental "in the moonlight" (Hering) ; "has amorous 
longings, not for any living creature, but for some unseen seraph" 
(Talcott) ; and if we will keep in mind the following indication of 
Talcott's, we may, by the use of the remedy and out-door work, 
help these cases we are sure to meet. He says: "It is suited to 
the mental condition of some young person passing through the 
critical pubescent period, whose growing interest in the opposite 
sex tends to center unhealthfully in some bright Prince Charming, 
or in some idealized, and perhaps self-created maiden." 

Headaches due to a disordered stomach are common under this 
remedy (97), Allen saying, especially from "eating candy." 
We also have headache from catching cold or after going in bath- 
ing (93). 

The head seems to resent having the hair wet and there is a 
tendency to take cold (5) after getting the head wet, as from a 
shampoo, cold bath, etc. 

Antimonium crud. is of value in chronic blepharitis, the lid 
inflamed, swollen and moist, with agglutination at night, found 
especially in children, with the mental irritability of the remedy. 

The nostrils are chapped, cracked (145) and scurfy, with in- 
creased pain on inhalation as if the air were cold or acrid. These 
crusts, which are also found at the corners of the mouth (141) are 



ANTIMONIUM CRUDUM. 251 

frequently the accompaniment of coryza or diphtheria calling for 
the remedy. 

On the face we have a pustular eruption of small and painful 
boils and pimples (65), located especially about the mouth and 
nose, and found in those who are inclined to be fat and who have 
overindulged in food or alcoholic stimulants. 

In the teeth, we have toothache in hollow teeth, with aggrava- 
tion after eating (187) and from cold water (187). 

A "very marked symptom," says Allen, and noted in particular 
in disorders of digestion, is a tongue with a thick white coating all 
over it, looking as if it had been white washed (192). 

In infants, we have in addition to this tongue, vomiting after 
nursing (208) of little white curds of milk and refusal of the child 
to nurse afterwards. In catarrhal gastritis (178) of children we 
have the characteristic tongue as one guide, and nausea and vomit- 
ing as another, and Farrington says, "the vomiting is a very 
prominent feature and occurs as the child eats or drinks." 

It is of value in the indigestion of children from sweets (6) 
and of adults from injudicious eating (178), foods that do not 
agree together, or with the patient, and associated with peevish- 
ness and irritability, thickly coated white tongue (192), loathing of 
(6) and after taste of food, nausea and vomiting, and thirst 
especially in the evening and at night. 

There is frequent call for it in vomiting from an overloaded 
stomach (178), from acids, vinegar and sour wines (176) and Lippe 
says from pork (177). 

It is an important remedy for alternating diarrhoea and consti- 
pation (58) in old people and for " diarrhoea from acids, from being 
overheated and from cold bathing" (Bell). 

Amenorrhcea, or suppression of the menses from cold bath- 
ing (134), frequently calls for Antimonium crud., especially 
when there is prolapsus (203) and constant bearing down as if 
everything were being pushed out through the vagina (203) and 
with tenderness over the ovarian region. 

Associated with these, we find the gastric and mental symptoms 
of the remedy. 



252 MATERIA MEDICA. 

The leucorrhcea is acrid (126) and watery, containing little 
lumps of mucus. 

Antimonium crud. is of value for acute rheumatism, fingers 
especially affected (161), associated with gastric disturbances. 

The finger-nails become discolored and horny (141) and split 
or crack, or horny growths form beneath the nails. 

Thick, horny callosities form on the soles of the feet near the 
toes, and the soles become very sensitive when walking, and corns 
(37) form readily and become inflamed. 

It is useful for sensitiveness and soreness of the soles of the feet 
(72) from walking on a stone pavement, and for soreness of the 
heels (71). 

Dearborn gives some valuable indications for the remedy when 
he says: " Symmetrical hyperidrosis of the feet (185) or hands 
without odor, sometimes causing the skin to look macerated and 
wrinkled, especially when associated with the catarrhal diathesis, 
may be relieved by Antimonium crud. " 

In prickly heat (155) "on the neck, face, back, chest, wrists, 
etc., with stinging and itching sensations, worse from exercise, 
warmth, wine, and relieved by rest and cool air, Antimonium crud. 
not only gives immediate relief, but tends to prevent a recurrence. " 

I use Antimonium crud. 6th. 



ANTIMONIUM TARTARICUM 

Tartar Emetic — A Double Tartrate of Potassium and Anti- 
mony. 

Do not call this Stibium. We do not use metallic antimony, 
although Hahnemann, who contributed some symptoms to Anti- 
monium tart., says: "It is very much to be desired that also the 
pure metallic antimony may be proved most carefully as to its 
pure effects, as we may expect of it much help, as yet unknown, 
and of a kind differing from that of the sulphuret of antimony, 
even as arsenic is different in its effects from the yellow sul- 
phuret of arsenic and the metallic mercury from cinnebar, each 
one having its own usefulness as a medicine" (Chr. Dis.). 



ANTIMONIUM TARTARICUM. 253 

Personally I prefer the name Antimonium tart, for our use, and 
would leave tartar emetic for the old school, they giving it to cause 
and we to cure a condition almost exactly similar to that which 
it produces. 

Tartar emetic "is a specific and not merely an irritant emetic" 
(Bartholow). 

It increases the secretions generally, but produces nausea and 
vomiting, profound depressions of the heart, pulse and tempera- 
ture, "paleness of the face, coldness of the surface (sometim.es 
preceded by a very temporary rise of temperature) , great muscular 
prostration. When the quantity is sufficient to produce lethal 
symptoms, we have epigastric pain, vomiting and purging, shrunk- 
en features, cold breath and cyanosis" (Bartholow). 

Weakness and faintness, with prostration (156) and cold, clam- 
my sweat, especially on the forehead (185), continual nausea and 
vomiting, or straining to vomit are the common accompaniments 
when we prescribe Antimonium tart. 

The face, as we see it, when calling for the remedy, is pale and 
sunken or livid and cyanotic (207), two opposite conditions, but 
as has been shown, both produced with physiological doses. 

The tongue is red and dry through the center (192). 

While in gastric and intestinal troubles, per se, we may not give 
Antimonium tart, very often, it has some symptoms very similar 
to those of Verat. v. 

In addition to the continual nausea, and vomiting or efforts to 
vomit, with cold sweat on the forehead (185) with great prostra- 
tion (156) and trembling, we have eructations tasting like rotten 
eggs (182), disgust for food and presence or absence of thirst. 

We have violent colic, with shifting of flatus, pains tearing from 
above downward, as if the bowels would be cut to pieces, and 
perhaps diarrhoea. 

The stools are profuse, thin, slimy and offensive, grass-green in 
color (59), preceded by sharp, cutting colic, and accompanied 
by vomiting and cold sweat (208). 

If we neglect to use Antimonium tart, in the intestinal tract, we 
may have a chance at the patient for some other trouble ; but if we 



254 MATERIA MEDICA. 

forget it in the respiratory tract, there may be no patient for us to 
treat, for it will often help us out of a desperate situation. 

Many lesions of the respiratory organs call for the remedy from 
simple to severe, but in them all we have the drug picture of in- 
creased secretions, lowered temperature (156), weak pulse, nausea 
and cold perspiration (185). 

It is useful for asthma (19), worse 3 a. m. (21) and for asth- 
matic breathing, with necessity to sit up in bed (24) and relief 
from expectoration, and for threatening suffocation, with wheez- 
ing, rattling and cyanosis, inability to clear the lungs and dysp- 
noea on falling asleep (24). 

In oedema of the lungs (29), calling for the remedy, there would 
be great dyspnoea and cyanosis (207), and probably dilated heart, 
with weak, but rapid, fluttering pulse (109). 

It is often needed in bronchitis and broncho-pneumonia (151), 
especialty in children and old people (147), with rattling of mucus 
(45) which accumulates in the bronchial tubes and seems to nil 
up the air-passages, causing great shortness of breath and cold 
sweat from the effort in breathing ; the child cries with the cough 
(41) and always coughs on getting angry (41). 

Antimonium tart, is frequently indicated in the third stage of 
pneumonia, the stage of resolution. 

When resolution takes place rapidly, without corresponding 
reabsorption, we have a very pronounced picture of the remedy, 
with the loose cough, lowered temperature, increased pulse, dysp- 
noea, cold perspiration (185) and prostration. 

In the pneumonia of old people, or those greatly debilitated, we 
must think of the remedy when in addition to the rattling of 
mucus in the chest and the cold perspiration, there is threatening 
paralysis of the lungs (30). 

The cough of Antimonium tart, is loose, moist and rattling (45), 
but in spite of this, the expectoration is scanty in proportion to 
the amount one hopes to raise, and the cough is not only disap- 
pointing but very exhausting as well. 

Things happen in about this way; the mucus seems loose and 
you can hear it rattle in the chest and throat as the patient breathes 
and a few short coughs bring it to the throat all ready to be expec- 



APIS MELLIFICA. 255 

torated with just one more effort. The patient has felt qualmish 
from the first and for that reason has not dared to put much force 
into it, even if his strength would permit, and is now conscious 
that if he gives that last cough it will surely cause vomiting and he 
sinks back on his pillow discouraged, prostrated and in a cold 
sweat (185), with the mucus still to be raised. 

Hering speaks of Antimonium tart, for asphyxia neonatorum 
(19), the child "pale, breathless" and with rattling of mucus in 
the chest. He also refers to it "to relieve the death 'rattle'," 
where it is often of great benefit. Here it may be given hypo- 
dermically. 

Tartar emetic, says Bartholow, when "applied to the skin by 
friction, excites a follicular inflammation, succeeded by a papule, 
a vesico-pustule, a surrounding inflammation with indurated base, 
a central umbilication, and finally desiccation, terminating in a 
brownish scab" and the resulting scar. "These antimony pustules 
are very similar to those of vaccine or variola." 

Antimonium tart, is of value in acne (14) and other pustular 
eruptions, often umbilicated and with deep red areola, "leaving 
stains and poc-like cicatrices" (Dearborn). 

It seems to be of undoubted value in small-pox, including a low 
type of the disease, and Hughes says that it is almost invariably 
used by him in small-pox, as he considers that it lessens the amount 
of pitting (170). In order to lessen the pitting it must be used 
early. 

The fact of the similarity between the scar produced by tartar 
emetic and vaccine, has lead some opponents of the regulation 
method to inoculate by means of tartar emetic so that they could 
say that their children had been vaccinated and point to the scar 
for corroboration. 

Kali sulph. is said to be incompatible with Antimonium tart. 

I use Antimonium tart. 3rd. 

APIS MELLIFICA 

Honey Bee. 

Apis contains more than the poison of the honey bee, Apium 
virus, for in preparing the remedy the live bees are put in a bottle 



256 MATERIA MEDICA. 

and after being irritated by shaking, five times their weight of 
dilute alcohol is poured over them and allowed to remain a week 
before filtering off for the resulting tincture, which represents in 
drug power the 1st. 

The following is from Hering: " Among all our drugs this is the 
one of which we have the most different preparations. There is 
but one right kind. It is the pure poison, which is obtained by 
grasping the bee with a small forceps, and catching the minute 

drop of virus suspended from the point of the sting It 

is absurd to dispute the solubility of the poison in alcohol, and 
foolish to take the whole bee with all the foreign matter and im- 
purities, which color the tincture." 

The symptoms as given in Allen's Encyclopedia include those 
made from the provings, whether from the virus alone or from 
the whole bee, as well as those caused by the sting of the bee. 

Apis was first proved by Dr. Frederick Humphries, later the 
proprietor of Humphries' Specifics, in 1852. 

Metcalf says: "We are principally indebted for the proving of 
this very admirable remedy, to the indefatigable zeal and perse- 
verance of our colleague, Dr. F. Humphries." 

The subject of animal poisons and their effects, has given rise to 
a great deal of discussion as to whether or no they were inert when 
introduced into the stomach or mucous membranes; it is pretty 
well conceded now, however, that they do act when introduced 
through the digestive tract, although less quickly and not in as 
marked a degree as when introduced into the blood direct. 

I assume that you all know from personal experience some of 
the prominent symptoms of Apis, including cedematous swelling 
of the skin, mucous membranes and cellular tissue, and burning, 
stinging, needle or nettle-like pains. 

In addition we have as characteristics of the remedy, an aggra- 
vation of all symptoms about 5 p. m., a condition of general 
sleepiness or stupor and an absence of thirst. 

As a rule, the effects travel from the right to the left side of the 
body, or at least start on the right side (163), and there is usually 
an intolerance of the heat of the bed (8) or as Dunham puts it, 
"warmth aggravates; cold relieves," which latter will include the 



APIS MELLIFICA. 257 

statement that the pains are relieved by applications of cool or 
cold water. 

It is an important remedy in serous effusions (120). 

In erysipelas (68) and in oedematous swellings in general, you 
will find frequent call for it. 

In erysipelas, on whatever part of the body it may be, there is 
inflammation, pufrmess and oedematous swelling, a boggy or 
baggy appearance as if filled with water, which swelling, as a rule, 
does not pit on pressure, and is greatly in excess to the amount of 
pain. 

The pains are burning and stinging as if the parts were pricked 
with pins or needles, and while usually not intense, are especially 
noticeable on touch when the patient will liken the sensation to 
being pricked with nettles. With the pains there is a desire for 
cool applications to the parts. 

The erysipelas usually starts on the right side and has a tendency 
to travel over to the left; commencing about the eye of the right 
side and spreading across the face to the left side, is a frequent 
happening. 

Apathy, sleeplessness or even unconsciousness, 5 p. m. aggrava- 
tion and an absence of thirst will serve to make the choice of your 
remedy more certain. 

While lack of thirst is the rule in all Apis cases, there is found, at 
times, more or less thirst; in such case the condition of stupor and 
the aggravation in the afternoon will overbalance the presence 
of thirst and Apis will still be your remedy. 

Apis does its work so well and is so seldom disappointing in its 
results, that I am always pleased when I see symptoms calling for 
its use; but we must be constantly on our guard lest our fondness 
for a remedy does not prejudice us in its favor to the exclusion of 
other more clearly indicated but less well-known remedies. 

It is very valuable in erysipelas after operations and in dissect- 
ing wounds (62). 

In urticaria (201) Apis is frequently called for, the leading indi- 
cation, as I have found it, being the afternoon aggravation. In 
addition we have large blotches, with burning and stinging as 
from nettles. 



258 MATERIA MEDICA. 

As a rule Apis patients are not restless, but are apathetic, in- 
different or even unconscious; but we may have in hydrocephalus 
(119) and in meningitis (133) great restlessness and rolling of the 
head from side to side on the pillow; usually with the stupor in 
meningeal inflammation we have sudden starts with screaming 
as from severe pain in the head. 

It is of value in meningitis from suppressed eruptions (130), the 
stupor interrupted by short cries, and in tubercular hydrocephalus 
(119) it is apt to be your first choice when we have the stupor, oc- 
casional crying out and the boring of the head into the pillow. 

Apis is to be thought of in mania resulting from suppression of 
the menses (135), with stupor alternating with attacks of erotic 
mania, and for " mania from sexual excitement'' (Talcott). 

The headache of the remedy consists usually of a hot heavy 
feeling in the head, with congestion and vertigo, worse lying down 
and closing the eyes (207), and with sudden stabbing pains in dif- 
ferent parts of the head. 

The headache is "worse in a warm room" (Dunham) and from 
any motion (96) and almost universally relieved by external 
pressure of the hands (92) on the forehead especially. 

It is a very valuable remedy for a variety of diseases of the 
eye, including purulent and scrofulous ophthalmias (76) and 
various forms of inflammation of the cornea, in general character- 
ized by serous exudations, great oedema and sudden stinging pains 
with, as a rule, relief from the application of cold water. 

In inflammation of the lids they are cedematous and often 
everted so that the lid actually rolls over on to the cheek. 

It is to be thought of in muscular asthenopia (72), with sharp, 
stinging pains on attempting to use the eyes, swelling of the lids, 
etc. 

The tongue of Apis in acute febrile states is red and hot, in diph- 
theria it is swollen and in scarlet fever it is sometimes cracked, 
sore and covered with blisters. 

We also find a feeling of rawness or as if the edges had been 
scalded (140) associated with the vesicles or pimples. 

In acute glossitis it is of great value, the tongue may be so swoll- 
en that it is almost impossible to swallow. 



APIS MELLIFICA. 259 

In oedema of the larynx (191), with great distress for breath, 
Apis is apt to be your first choice. 

Also in suspected scarlet fever, with mottled rash on the hard 
palate, throat oedematous and bright-red, great pain on swallowing 
and no thirst, Apis is probably the remedy. 

Here is a good point from the Handbook: " Coldness of the tip 
of the nose when the throat begins to be sore is a pretty sure indi- 
cation for Apis. ,} 

In diphtheria (62) you will probably use this remedy oftener 
than any other, for as Allen says: "It is almost a specific in true 
diphtheria, always indicated when the throat is very much swollen 
and oedematous, with severe stinging pains on attempting to 
swallow, with great inertia or even complete stupor," along with 
the afternoon aggravation and absence of thirst. Do not forget 
that it is more apt to begin on the r. side and from there travel 
over to the 1. 

I use Apis as a prophylactic against diphtheria. You have al- 
ready had your attention called to the difficulties that we encoun- 
ter in saying and in being able to uphold the statement, that any 
remedy is of value as a prophylactic against any disease. 

The idea held by many of our school, is to use that remedy for 
a prophylactic that is indicated in the type of the disease that is 
prevalent or epidemic at the time. 

It is a theory that appeals to me as having not only good common 
sense, but also scientific reasoning back of it, for we do not believe 
in specifics, or any one remedy or combination of drugs that will 
cure all cases of disease that have a common name. The only 
objection that I can bring against it is that it is often impossible 
to know at the start what remedy is the generally indicated one 
and by the time you have decided, much valuable time may have 
been lost. 

For all my liking for this theory, I always use Apis as a prophy- 
lactic against diphtheria, and while my experience with it has been 
much too limited to permit it to have great weight, still I have 
had but one failure up to the present time from its use, and in that 
instance the patient acknowledged, after he had contracted the 
disease, that he had not taken his prophylactic regularly. 
18 



260 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Keep the idea in mind, use as occasion requires and note the 
results ; you will then be in a position to accept or reject it as the case 
may be. 

If you accept it, do not fail to observe as strict a quarantine 
as the circumstances may admit; if you reject it let it be after 
failure with the potency of your own make, for my personal ex- 
perience has been limited to the use of Apis 30th that I ran up 
from the tincture. 

As regards the stomach, we will simply note that vomiting of 
food and frequent efforts to vomit, must be associated with the 
Apis symptoms in meningitis, the early stage of scarlet fever, etc. 

In dropsies of the abdomen (11) or in general anasarca (63) 
especially when resulting from peritonitis or dependent upon 
inflammation of the kidneys, Apis is of great value. 

One symptom must be borne in mind in reference to all ab- 
dominal affections, or in remote conditions that give rise to troubles 
in the abdomen, and that is a sore bruised feeling in the abdomi- 
nal walls, with excessive tenderness to touch (12); sometimes 
when the abdomen is not swollen, as in hydrocephalus and a 
hydro cephaloid condition due to infantile diarrhoea and cholera 
infantum (31), this bruised soreness of the abdominal walls 
would be very characteristic of the remedy. 

It is of value in cholera infantum, with constant relapses, 
threatening brain troubles (31) characterized by stupor which is 
interrupted by occasional short cries, sunken abdomen, vomiting, 
involuntary stools with every motion, or constant oozing from the 
anus of which the patient is unconscious, and no thirst. If in 
addition there should be cedema of the feet and genitals, the case 
would present still further indications calling for Apis. 

It is a remedy to be thought of in chronic diarrhcea (58), stools 
that are dark and fetid and worse after eating (57), or where the 
stool is so loose that they cannot urinate without being prepared 
for, or having a movement of the bowels (62). 

It is useful in haemorrhoids (86) and in haemorrhoids after con- 
finement (153), with sharp stinging pains, " better from cold and 
cold water" (Lilienthal). 

In acute inflammation of the kidneys, croupous nephritis (124), 



APIS MELLIFICA. 261 

it is very frequently called for, perhaps associated with aching and 
soreness in the back or in the region of the kidneys, and a bruised 
sensation in the abdominal walls. 

This croupous nephritis is found especially as the result of cold, 
or during or subsequent to the eruptive diseases and diphtheria. 
The urine, in these cases, is apt to be scanty or almost suppressed 
(200), with the usual accompaniments of albumin, casts, etc., but 
it is rarely bloody. 

The dropsy (63) is very great, comes on rapidly and is es- 
pecially marked on the face and upper part of the body; along 
with this we have stupor, dryness of the skin and absence of thirst. 

In chronic interstitial as well as in chronic croupous nephritis, 
it is useful in temporary exacerbations, with an increase of the 
dropsy, sometimes about the head, when there would be an in- 
crease in the stupor, and sometimes in the chest, when there would 
be great difficulty in breathing and suffocation on lying down. 

While the urine is usually more or less suppressed in nephritis 
due to erysipelas, scarlet fever and diphtheria, still, when there is 
no inflammation of the kidneys, the urine in Apis is quite free and 
pale, although the patients drink but little. 

It is useful in incontinence of urine in old men (199) as well as 
in cystitis, with frequent or involuntary micturition, often passed 
with a stinging pain (194). At times in cystitis there may be 
strangury or the urine may be retained in the bladder. 

It is to be thought of in hydrocele (119) and in inflammation 
and swelling, especially of the r. testicle (188). 

Apis affects, particularly, the r. ovary (147) and it is of value in 
various forms of inflammation (148) and neuralgia of the r. ovary, 
with sharp stinging pains and sensitiveness to touch (148); it is 
also of value in pelvic cellulitis, with the pains and the extreme 
soreness over the lower abdominal region. Remember it also in 
cystic tumor of the ovary (147). 

Apis would be indicated in dysmenorrhea, when there was 
soreness in the ovarian region and a puffed, waxy appearance of 
the face, and in threatened abortion (13) with soreness of the 
ovaries. 

In hydrothorax, either as the result of pleurisy or dependent 



262 MATERIA MEDICA. 

upon disease of the kidneys, Apis has as a prominent symptom a 
feeling of suffocation on lying down (24) ; along with this there is 
dyspnoea, with the sensation as if he could not draw another 
breath. 

The power of Apis to remove or absorb serous exudations is 
undoubted and we want to keep the remedy in mind in whatever 
part of the body we find the fluid. 

The cough of Apis is usually suffocative and spasmodic, as from 
irritation in the upper part of the chest or suprasternal fossa (44), 
and it is short and dry. We also have a fit of coughing brought on 
by pressure on the larynx (44). 

In pericarditis, requiring this remedy, we would find great sore- 
ness over the region of the heart, dropsy (109) and scanty urine. 

It is of value in synovitis, especially of the knee (125), with swell- 
ing and rosy redness, stinging pains and extreme sensitiveness to 
touch. 

It is frequently called for in an inflammation around the nail, 
run-round (163), with burning, stinging and great soreness. 

The intermittent fever for which we prescribe Apis has, with one 
exception, just the characteristics that the study of the remedy 
would lead us to expect. 

The chill comes on from 4-5 p. m. and is worse in a warm 
room and from external heat ; they do not want to be wrapped up 
warmly in bed. The chill is accompanied by oppression of the 
breath and a sensation as if they would smother. 

There is more or less apathy and drowsiness throughout the 
chill and as it passes off the patient falls into a deep sleep which 
lasts until the end of the paroxysm. 

The sweating stage is slight or wanting. There is thirst during 
the chill (121), which is to be noted as the exception spoken of, 
but no thirst during the fever or sweat. 

Many authors state that Apis and Rhus tox. are incompatible 
and that neither should precede nor directly follow the other. 
Hering says: Apis " often disagrees after Rhus tox. in eruptive 
diseases; and Rhus tox. given after Apis has often disagreed." 

Farrington says: " Remember also its (Apis) inimical relation 
to Rhus tox." 



APOCYNUM CANNABINUM. 263 

H. N. Guernsey says the same thing. 

I have questioned as to whether our remedies when used in the 
potencies acted in an incompatible or inimical relation one towards 
the other. 

On making inquiry amongst those for whose knowledge on the 
subject I have the greatest respect, no satisfactory answer has 
ever been given me, the substance of the replies, in this instance, 
being that as Hering has said so, the rest of us had better accept it. 

It is a question on which there is, perhaps, no positive answer 
to be given at present, but I wish to quote from a recent lecture 
by Dr. William Boericke, who says: "It is said that Apis is inimi- 
cal to Rhus. Such statements must not be made dogmatically; 
they are at best suggestive, only needing further clinical observa- 
tion. I have seen strikingly prompt curative action from Apis 
in cases of Rhus poisoning so common in California, when the 
swelling around eyes and face generally was the chief objective 
symptom." 

I use Apis 30th. 

APOCYNUM CANNABINUM 

American Hemp. 

(Apocynon, dogbane. Cannabis, hemp.) 

This plant, which grows in most parts of the United States and 
Canada, was first proved by Dr. Black of England. 

The name Indian hemp was given to it because the North 
American Indians used its tough bark for making nets; but it is 
an unfortunate one, as it may be confused with Cannab. Ind., 
hashish, or Indian hemp, and the term American hemp is now 
given the preference. 

The chief action of Apocynum lies in the treatment of dropsy 
and while it is often employed empirically, "it is less dangerous 
than Digitalis," as Allen once said in his lecture. 

Farrington adds, " Apocynum, as a rule, is preferable to Digi- 
talis, as the latter often proves to be treacherous." Apocynum 
s similar in many respects to Digitalis and is perhaps the safest 
heart tonic that we have. It is supposed that the infusion, or 



264 MATERIA MEDICA. 

the decoction, will work better as a diuretic than the alcoholic 
tincture. 

Apocynum has a depressing action on the heart, causing irregu- 
larity of the heart and pulse. The heart's action may be increased 
or slow, but it is feeble and the pulse is fluttering (109). It will 
cause nausea and vomiting, as will also Digitalis, and it causes 
thirst. It causes free action of the bowels, with weakness of the 
bladder and rectum. The amount of urine was increased in a 
prover who took two tablespoonfuls of the infusion every fifteen 
minutes, but in most of the others there was a decrease in the 
amount, with easy flow and without pain. 

Now here are the symptoms indicating the remedy: heart weak, 
feeble and irregular (109), usually slow; urine scanty; great thirst 
and drinking causes great distress, or nausea and vomiting; there 
is also irritability of the stomach to food, with great distention 
after eating (177); there is often diarrhoea, or at least looseness 
of the bowels, with wind, and aggravation after eating (57). 

It is a drug often used empirically and while we may not be able 
to cure many cases when they reach the Apocynum stage, we will 
at least afford greater relief when we have the symptoms to guide 
us in our selection than without them. 

It has been used with success in a late stage of hydrocephalus 
(119), where there was stupor and no cephalic cry, and in hydro- 
thorax (29), in both conditions with scanty urine, thirst and 
irritability of the stomach. 

Allen tells us that Apocynum "has been used chiefly for dropsi- 
cal effusions dependent upon diseases of the liver (11); it has not 
been so useful in albuminuria." 

"The vegetable trocar" is a name that has been applied to this 
drug, and it is indicative of its action. 

I would like to extend the range of action of Apocynum as 
given by Allen, and quote from Hale, who says: "There is no 
variety of dropsy but may be amenable to its palliative, if not 
curative, action. Even in dropsy from organic diseases of the 
heart it will keep down the effusion and allow the heart a chance 
to regain much of its former strength. In post-scarlatinal dropsy, 
it will often prove promptly curative." Interstitial 



APOMORPHINUM. 265 

nephritis "cannot be cured by this medicine and rarely by any 
other, but the dropsy may be kept in check so long as any consider- 
able portion of the kidney is free from organic changes." 

Apocynum was proved in the 3rd by Dr. Marcy. 

Hughes says: "The mother-tincture, from one to five drops 
at a time, has sometimes proved effectual; but more frequently 

it has been found necessary to prepare an infusion from the 

, fresh root." 

Hale, who is the only author I know of who speaks of the use of 
the infusion in potency, says: "it can be run up to the third 
dilution in water, if that strength is preferred," and gives two 
rules as a guide to its administration, as follows: "(1) In cases of 
acute, idiopathic dropsies, use the dilutions, beginning with the 
high, and descending more or less rapidly, according to the pro- 
gress of the disease. 

" (2) In chronic, atonic, or secondary dropsies, use the tincture, 
or the decoction in one or two-drachm doses." 

I use Apocynum in the tincture, usually giving it in 3 drop 
doses, three times a day. 

APOMORPHINUM 

Apomorphia. 

(Apomorphia — aim), apo, from ;-f- morphia.) 

Apomorphia is an alkaloid formed from the decomposition of 
morphine with hydrochloric acid. Hypodermically 1-20 to 1-16 of 
a grain is used where prompt vomiting is necessary, as in a case of 
poisoning. 

Do not use it in opium poisoning, not only because it is derived 
from morphine, but also because it will not work in a condition 
of narcosis, or failure to respond to a stimulus, as its action is on 
the brain and the vomiting is a reflex action. 

Our pathogenetic symptoms are mostly the result of hypo- 
dermic injections of the drug and violent vomiting, without pre- 
vious nausea, is the keynote. 

It has cured the vomiting of food and palliated the vomiting of 
pregnancy (153) or of uterine displacements or tumors. 



266 MATERIA MEDICA. 

The 3rd or 6th has been used with success for seasickness (165), 
and Dr. W. W. Blackman has found it of value as a prophylactic, 
and to be taken for two days previous to beginning the voyage. 

I have used Apomorphia 6th. 

ARALIA RACEMOSA 

American Spikenard. 

(Aralia, origin unknown; racemosa — racemus, a cluster, as of 
grapes — in reference to its fruit.) 

Aralia race, is a native of the United States and grows in rich 
woodlands. It is well known for its large, spicy, aromatic roots, 
which are the parts used for the preparation of our tincture. 

Aralia race, was first proved by Dr. S. A. Jones, formerly of 
this city, about 1856. 

It is not included in Hering's Guiding Symptoms. 

The most characteristic action of this remedy seems to be on 
the respiratory organs, and that will be the only one for us to 
consider. 

The cases for which we prescribe Aralia race, are those in which 
asthma (19) occupies a prominent position. 

It may be true asthma or an asthmatic condition due to bron- 
chitis, hay-fever, etc. (88), but the difficulty in breathing is what 
we are asked to relieve. 

The patient cannot lie down (24) as breathing in that position 
is so much more difficult that he fears he will "suffocate, and he is 
obliged to sit up day and night, and the least exertion, such as 
walking, takes away the breath. 

Dr. Jones says, " relief of the asthma by bending forward, elbows 
on knees/' or as often seen the easiest position for him to assume, 
and the only one in which he can obtain any sleep, is when leaning 
forward with the head on a table or on the back of a chair, frequent- 
ly with the arms raised and the head resting on the hands. 

The obstruction to breathing is during inspiration (24) in 
Aralia race., and the shoulders are raised in the effort to cause 
expansion of the chest. Expiration is comparatively free. 

We also have cough worse at night after the first sleep (40), 



ARANEA DIADEMA. 267 

but usually lying down aggravates the cough (41) as well as the 
asthma. 

The cough may be caused by a tickling in the throat or a feeling 
of a foreign body there, associated with constriction of the chest 
and with relief from raising a little mucus. 

I use Aralia race. 1st. 

ARANEA DIADEMA 

Diadem Spider — Papal Cross Spider — Garden Spider. 

(Aranea, spider.) 

The garden or stable spider, with one long line and three cross 
lines in yellow on its back. 

Hering says that Aranea was "used as a remedy by Wm. Gross 

as early as 1833, but not proved until later by Grauvogl, 

1866/' 

Hering reverses the names of this remedy, so look for it under 
the letter D if you wish to get his arrangement of the symptoms, 
pathogenetic and clinical. 

The most characteristic features of this remedy are, the tendency 
to a periodic recurrence of the symptoms at exactly the same hour, 
the general tendency to coldness and the decided aggravation of 
the symptoms during cold-damp (9) or rainy weather (9). 

It is a remedy that is especially adapted to those who cannot 
live in damp places or on the water, or for those whose troubles 
have arisen from so living. 

A purely nervous symptom has been reported as cured by Aranea, 
where a woman had a nightly sensation as if her hands and arms 
were enormously enlarged (72), so that she must strike a light 
before she can be convinced that it is not so. 

The headache of Aranea is periodical and worse during damp 
or stormy weather (98). Any part of the head, forehead, vertex 
or occiput may be affected and relief from the pain may be had by 
smoking, provided, of course, that the patient has already acquired 
the habit. 

Dr. von Grauvogl speaks of a restoration to health by means 
of this remedy, of a young woman who, for six years had severe 



268 MATERIA MEDICA. 

headaches that were aggravated by talking or hearing others 
speak, and which were accompanied by vomiting. 

The " headaches were always much more violent in damp weather 
than in dry, and, in fact, her general condition was aggravated at 
such times, and especially all use of baths increased her suf- 
ferings" the headache, "even aside from considering the 

influence of the weather, was most violent in the afternoon or 

evening; and it increased in severity, irregularly, though 

periodically, . . . she constantly suffered from chilliness, hence the 
whole winter through was obliged to keep her room very warm, 
and even in summer had cold hands and feet" (Text-Book of Horn.). 

The toothache of Aranea is also worse in damp weather (188) 
and " better by smoking" (Hering); it is periodic and is often 
found to be worse at night as soon as the patient gets into bed. 

The cough of Aranea is caused by tickling in the throat and is 
worse at night on lying down (41). 

In asthma (19) the patient is unable to lie down day or night 
(24), with " relief from smoking" (Lilienthal). 

Many of our symptoms are purely clinical, the original choice 
of the remedy having been dependent upon one or more of the 
three characteristics of the remedy. 

In the intermittent fever calling for Aranea all three character- 
istics are prominent. 

The case is particularly a chronic one, or originated on getting 
wet or from living in a damp place, and the paroxysm is always 
worse during a rain or during cold and unsettled weather. 

The attacks recur with great regularity as to the time of day 
and are quotidian or tertian. Each attack consists mostly 
of coldness (121), cannot get warm, and the coldness lasts for a 
long time, perhaps for 24 hours; there is little or no fever follow- 
ing, and no sweat. 

I use Aranea 3rd. 

ARGENTUM METALLICUM 

Silver. 
Metallic silver, as a drug, is but little used and seldom thought 
of, but it has some prominent symptoms, making it an easily 
remembered remedy. 



ARGENTUM METALLICUM. 269 

It was first proved by Hahnemann. 

Its chief action is on mucous membranes, including most of the 
digestive tract, the genito-urinary and the respiratory tracts, 
with especial reference to the last two. 

Sharp pains are mostly lacking in Argentum met. (prevalent in 
Argentum nit.), but general weakness is common, with tendency 
to emaciation and pale, sallow complexion. 

There is a general anaemic condition (16), with cedematous 
feet, loss of power in the lower extremities, with weakness of the 
knees (125), and we may have hectic fever coming on every day 
at 11 a. m. and lasting for one or two hours. 

There is vertigo in Argentum met. (which amounts to epilepsy 
in its relative Argentum nit.), attacks of vertigo, with crawling and 
whirling in head as if intoxicated (207), also vertigo on looking 
at running water (207), as in a brook. 

In the eye Argentum met. has proved useful in blepharitis, with 
itching, and it is especially indicated when the edges of the lids are 
much thickened. 

In the mouth there is much sticky, tenacious saliva and from 
the pharynx and bronchi there is expectorated much gelatinous 
or jelly-like mucus that is aptly described as looking like boiled 
starch (70). 

As a catarrhal remedy Argentum met. is of frequent use, being of 
value in chronic conditions of the pharynx, larynx and bronchi, 
with hawking or raising of this gelatinous mucus looking like boiled 
starch. 

It is to be thought of in acute or chronic laryngitis of speakers 
or singers (118), with hoarseness or even aphonia; here we find 
soreness, or a feeling of rawness (118) either in the larynx or ex- 
tending down as far as the bifurcation of the bronchi. 

Rawness and soreness in larynx when coughing and not when 
swallowing, is quite characteristic of Argentum met. 

We can think of the remedy for the sensation, noticed especially 
when eating fruit, as if a piece stuck in the throat when swallowing, 
with inability to remove it by coughing. 

The catarrhal cough is easy (soft), is caused by a sensation of 
mucus in the larynx or thrachea, or from laughing (41), and the 
mucus is often removed by a single cough. 



270 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Argentum met. is useful for polyuria (199), a diabetes insipidus, 
with very profuse and turbid urine. 

It is to be thought of in chronic gleet (83), the discharge thick, 
but not burning and perhaps associated with pain in the testicle 
as if it were being crushed (188), and for seminal emissions with- 
out excitement (167) or loss of power. 

In the female sexual organs, we find that Argentum met. has an 
especial affinity for the 1. ovary (147). 

There is a sensation as if the 1. ovary were too large, or there is 
pain there, extending up the back and down the 1. thigh, associated 
with prolapsus of the uterus (203) and with yellow, excoriating 
leucorrhcea (126) of offensive odor (126). 

It has been used with success for ulceration of the cervix, with 
much swelling and foul discharge, and it may act as a palliative 
in scirrhus of the uterus (202). 

I have used Argentum met. 3rd. 

ARGENTUM NITRICUM 

Lunar Caustic — AgNOs ■ 

While first proved by Hahnemann, he did but little, contributing 
only 16 symptoms, it was not until 1845, that Dr. J. O Muller, of 
Vienna, gave it a thorough proving. There are 821 symptoms 
given in Allen's Encyclop. 

It is an ancient remedy in the old school; the sticks of lunar 
caustic were called lapis infernalis, which Hering speaks of as "a 
prophetic name, indicating the horrible abuse of it in our age." 

Argentum nit. is an irritant poison, causing violent inflamma- 
tion and ulceration of the throat, stomach and mucous membranes 
generally. It attacks and destroys the red blood corpuscles, caus- 
ing general malnutrition, especially ecchymoses (65). It depres- 
ses the temperature. It produces violent tetanic convulsions 
foUowed by paralysis. The pains in all mucous membranes are 
sharp and splinter-like, and associated with muco-purulent dis- 
charge. 

From all of this it will be readily seen that silver nitrate is a very 
different remedy from his sister, metallic silver. Argentum met. 



ARGENTUM NITRICUM. 271 

might be said to favor her mother, while Argentum nit. has his 
father's disposition. 

There is general tremulous (192) weakness in Argentum nit., 
with nervous restlessness and sighing respiration (25). 

It is a valuable remedy for the chronic nervous results of alco- 
holic stimulants (5), or from excessive sexual indulgence (167), 
with great restlessness, fear of being alone (80), depression of 
spirits and general aggravation after eating (177). 

It is useful for epileptiform convulsions or even true epilepsy 
(67), with aggravation at night and great restlessness or tremu- 
lousness before or after the attacks, and it is especially useful for 
epilepsy caused by fright (81), or associated with menstruation 
(67). 

Many of the troubles that ask for Argentum nit. as a remedy, will 
present as prominent features of the case, some of the charac- 
teristic mental or abdominal symptoms of the drug, and it will be 
to your advantage if you keep them firmly fixed in your mind. 

Mentally, the Argentum patient is anxious and apprehensive. 
She is a worrier (132) and seems to like it, at any rate she will not 
allow her mind to be diverted. 

While we at times see men who need the remedy, some symp- 
toms reading, " constantly talking about his sufferings; often 
wakes his wife or child, to have someone to talk to " (Hering), 
still it is a fact that women exhibit the more frequent need for it. 

She is a nervous individual, and if she is going on a short trip 
she must be ready long before it is advisable to start and will tell 
you in justification of her hurry, that the only times she ever failed 
to take the train that she started for were when she reached the 
station in season to catch the preceding one. 

Her own ailments are naturally a source from which she can 
extract a great deal of trouble and she anticipates all sorts of 
dreadful things as the possible outcome. She will not consult a 
physician for fear that he will tell her that she has cancer, heart 
disease, Bright's disease, cerebro-spinal meningitis, or any other 
complaint that she has read reports of in the newspaper, and when 
she is finally induced to see her doctor, will not believe what he 
says because she knows that he is keeping things from her. 



272 MATERIA MEDICA. 

She can and does worry herself into a state of great mental de- 
pression (132), becomes very weak and trembling, goes to bed on 
account of a most severe headache but cannot remain there long 
on account of hysterical distention of the abdomen (13) and 
diarrhoea, and diarrhoea as the result of mental emotion (57) is 
very characteristic of this remedy. 

With the mental depression there may be an impulse to throw 
herself from the window. 

They are irresolute and the memory is poor (133) and Argentum 
nit. is of value in the mental depression or irritability which re- 
sults from brain-fag (93), with general debility and trembling of 
the whole body (192). 

It is of great value in hemicrania (99). The trouble is periodi- 
cal, either side may be affected, and it is brought on especially 
by any depressing emotions or worry. The pain is pressing or 
boring (106) on the affected side with an enlarged feeling on the 
other side of the head, or the whole head feels very large and as if 
the bones would separate (106); the pains are so severe and the 
attack usually ends in vomiting (97). With the pains there is 
relief from binding the head up tightly (92). 

The pains in the head may extend down the face (80) and 
involve the malar bone and zygomatic process. 

With the headache we often have great photophobia, with loss 
of muscular coordination and blurred vision (104). 

In inflammatory conditions of the eye Argentum nit. is an im- 
portant remedy and it is especially valuable in purulent conjuncti- 
vitis or ophthalmia (76). The discharge is thick and abundant, 
with agglutination of the lids especially in the morning, with in- 
tense redness and great swelling of the conjunctiva, and it is use- 
ful even when the cornea is involved and ulceration threatens 
(77).jj ft 

In ophthalmia neonatorum, or the ophthalmia of new-born 
infants, which is often due to gonorrhoeal infection, you will find 
frequent call for the remedy, with the profuse purulent discharge, 
great conjunctivitis and threatening or actual ulceration of the 
cornea. 

The tongue of Argentum nit. is usually heavily coated, with pro- 
minent papillae and painful and red tip (192). 



ARGENTUM NITRICUM. 273 

In the pharynx and larynx there are several features of interest 
as calling for this remedy. There is generally dryness, a feeling of 
burning and sharp, splinter-like pains (190) and the mucous mem- 
brane is usually dark red in color (191). It is useful in acute or 
chronic phalangitis, with much thick mucus, and with rawness and 
soreness, and a sensation of a splinter lodged in the throat (190), 
which is felt more on swallowing. 

It is of value in the chronic inflammation of the larynx of singers 
(118), with hoarseness, dryness and sharp, splinter-like pains, and 
dark redness of the pharynx, and in the dry throat of smokers, 
with sensation of a hair (190) in the throat causing cough, and 
better again by smoking. 

We have already said that many conditions calling for this 
remedy have, as accompaniments, some of its mental, or stomach 
and abdominal symptoms. 

There is distress and distention of the stomach soon after eating 
(177) and while we may have a sensation as of a lump or load in 
the stomach (179), or as if the food had lodged there, with ineffec- 
tual efforts to eructate, strangulation and purple face, the 
usual condition is one of enormous distention of the stomach and 
abdomen, with very free eructations of gas (181). The gas in 
these cases rises easily and in volumes, and discharges in both 
directions with noise, and while it must be gotten rid of there is 
no especial relief from so doing, as it seems to accumulate faster 
than it can be discharged. 

The tongue is thickly coated white (192) at this time and under 
the remedy there is a craving for and a decided aggravation from 
sweets (6). If the patient is seen during one of these flatulent 
attacks, she will be apt to tell you, either, that she ate only the 
least bit of candy, or that she cannot imagine why there should 
be all this trouble, for she had not eaten any sweets, for they al- 
ways cause just such distention. 

Allen speaks of Argentum nit. as unrivaled for the gastritis of 
drunkards (176), with its pain and flatulence, and it is of value in 
ulceration of the stomach (181), either with the enormous disten- 
tion and free eructations, or with the feeling of a stone in the 
stomach (179), which cannot be dislodged, with, in addition, dis- 
tress from any food or water. 



274 MATERIA MEDICA. 

There are usually nausea and crampy pain, or the pains extend 
from the stomach up to the chest (180) and shoulders and down 
to the abdomen. 

The diarrhoea of Argentum nit. is of green (59) mucus, looking 
like chopped spinach, sometimes of undigested food (60) and usu- 
ally of offensive odor (59), and passed with much noisy flat- 
ulence and forcible spluttering (59). The diarrhoea is caused by 
or is worse from sweets, from drinking water (57) and from 
mental excitement, worry or shock (57). 

It is valuable for acute and chronic diarrhoea (58) and dysen- 
tery, with the abdominal distention and noisy eructations and 
flatulence as the characteristic indications. 

With the gastro-intestinal conditions the urine is usually very 
scanty, while in the nervous conditions it is profuse (199). 

As we have seen that Argentum nit. is very valuable for oph- 
thalmia neonatorum, so also it is of value for specific urethritis or 
gonorrhoea, which is frequently the cause of ophthalmia. Of 
course I am referring to its use internally by way of the mouth and 
not via urethra. I believe that I am right in saying that even the 
old school now advise against the use of injections of nitrate of sil- 
ver early in the disease on account of the additional troubles that 
it is apt to set up. 

It might be mentioned here that Nat. mur. in potency, internally, 
is a valuable remedy for cases that have been abused by the local 
application of nitrate of silver to any mucous membrane. 

In gonorrhoea, Argentum nit. is of value when there is profuse, 
purulent discharge, intense cutting or splinter-like pains (194) and 
more or less blood in the urine. 

It is useful in leucorrhcea, due to gonorrhoeal infection or other- 
wise, with profuse (126), purulent and bloody discharge. 

Remember it in post-diphtheritic paralyses (62), for paralysis 
of the diaphragm and in threatening paralysis of the lungs (30), 
with fear of suffocation, distress in the stomach and great accumu- 
lation of gases. 

In angina pectoris (107) we want to think of this remedy, when 
there is great pain, fear of suffocation, with difficulty in breathing, 
and a feeling of a bar or band around the chest (165). 

I use Argentum nit. 6th. 



ARNICA MONTANA. 275 

ARNICA MONTANA 

Leopard's-Bane. 

The origin of the word arnica is not known. Another term is 
the mountain tobacco of central Europe, but it is used as a medi- 
cine simply. 

Hahnemann advised the making of the tincture from the whole 
plant when near its flowering time (Mat. Med. Pura). The Am. 
Homceo. Phar. directs that the tincture be made by using two 
parts of the root and one part each of the leaves and flowers, after 
having removed from the latter the larvae of the arnica fly. 

Hering says that "one of the first provings of Hahnemann was 
made from the Arnica root" and that the most wonderful results 
were obtained from the root. He also says, that "many reports 
of so-called poisonings have been given in the journals" that 
probably "were the result of tincture made from the flowers, con- 
taining the arnica fly. Nearly all flowers in the shops contain 
eggs, worms, or the excrements and other remains of the worms 
or the pupae; and all this acts similarly to Cantharides. " 

Neither the insect nor the eggs have been proved by themselves. 

The best known effect of Arnica is its remedial action in mechan- 
ical injuries. Hahnemann tells us that this property was known 
two hundred years before he proved the remedy and that the 
result of his proving simply corroborated it. 

Arnica for injuries (26) is the most prominent symptom and 
it is of equal value whether the injury is of recent origin or when 
it is remote, such as affections of the head or mind, appearing long 
after a blow or fall involving the head, or in children suffering 
from some paralytic or other condition, due, perhaps, to the appli- 
cation of forceps at the time of birth. 

A sore, bruised sensation (166), over the whole body or over a 
single part, is another pronounced symptom. This sensation is 
similar to that resulting from an injury, and we would think of 
Arnica whether it was a sensation simply or a reality. 

While the application of Arnica for the results of injuries covers 
a wide range, a few of the recent conditions only will be mentioned, 
as a guide in its selection: Blows, concussions and injuries by 
19 



276 MATERIA MEDICA. 

blunt instruments; muscular soreness, after operations, from mani- 
pulation of the parts; muscular pains and soreness after over- 
exertion and where unused muscles have been brought into play; 
palpitation and pain about the heart the result of excessive strain- 
ing; meningitis and meningeal irritation the result of concussion; 
toothache after a gold-filling or from a wedge; hematuria, uterine 
disorders and haemorrhages after mechanical injuries, including 
coition; threatened abortion (13) after a fall or a blow; after 
childbirth, especially if the forceps have been used, for the sore, 
bruised sensations and conditions. 

Hahnemann says: "The best preparation of this medicine for 
internal use is the decillionth development of power" (30th). 

He also says: "In severe and extensive contusion-injuries the 
cure is very much promoted when, in addition to a small dose of 
Arnica taken internally, .... the parts are also for the first 
twenty-four hours externally moistened " with a solution of five or 
ten drops of Arnica 1st to a pint of water. (Ask surgeons con- 
cerning the bad effects of a too strong solution of Arnica locally 
and note if in part it is not due to drug-store tincture.) While 
it is perfectly right to use a remedy locally that we are giving 
internally we must keep in mind that if we use Arnica locally and 
another remedy internally, we are not practicing homoeopathy any 
more than if we should alternate remedies. 

Arnica has a pronounced effect upon the blood where there is 
a general tendency to disorganization, with the resulting haemor- 
rhage of dark venous blood; and it is to be thought of not only for 
the condition that will result in easy bleeding, but also as a remedy 
to hasten the absorption of the blood, for example, in apoplexy 
(18), haemorrhage in the conjunctiva or retina (74), purpura 
haemorrhagica (158), etc. 

Mentally, while we must give Arnica first consideration in con- 
ditions that can be traced back to some mechanical injury, recent 
or remote, we will also find it useful in delirium, with easy fear, 
especially of being struck by persons coming near him, or with 
muttering (55), or complete stupor, foul breath (24) and invol- 
untary putrid discharges. It is of especial value when this con- 
dition accompanies low types of fever, malarial or typhoid (193). 



ARNICA MONTANA. 277 

In apoplexy (18) we have stertorous respiration, involuntary 
stools, no cerebral excitement, but heavy stupor and foul breath. 
In any of these conditions, the Arnica patient, if sufficiently con- 
scious, will complain of the hardness of the bed, or of lumps in 
the mattress, of an aching soreness (166) over the whole body and 
will dread having anyone touch him or even to have you come 
near him for fear of being hurt. 

Arnica has a headache with a sensation as if the head were 
being distended from pressure within (106) and with great sensi- 
tiveness of the brain internally (91). It has neuralgic headaches, 
with sharp pains as if a knife or nail (106) were being driven into 
the head and with aggravation on moving the head (96). There 
are, also, intermittent neuralgic pains, associated with malaria 
and neuralgias following injuries to the nerves (142). 

Hot head with cold body is another symptom calling for the 
use of Arnica. 

Meniere's disease, with vertigo and inclination to fall to the left 
(207), salivation and vomiting, leads one to think of Arnica. (For 
further information refer to Dr. G. W. McDowell.) 

The nosebleed of Arnica, when not due to mechanical injuries, 
is of dark (142) fluid blood and is especially noticed during low 
fevers or in whooping cough (47). Another prominent condition 
calling for the remedy in whooping cough is, that the paroxysms 
are so violent as to cause hemorrhage (47) in the conjunctiva as 
well. 

The face is usually cold and pale ; in low fevers it is congested 
and dark red (207). 

The tongue in fever is dry and sore, sometimes blackish, but 
thirst is not prominent. 

The diarrhoea calling for Arnica is associated with a state of 
great prostration. The stools are putrid (59) and during sleep 
they are involuntary and are accompanied by eructations and 
flatus, tasting (182) and smelling like sulphuretted hydrogen 
(82). It is of value in the diarrhoea of low fevers and in haemor- 
rhage from the bowels during typhus and typhoid fevers (193) of 
dark venous blood. In dysentery, the "most marked indica- 
tion," says Hering, "is the long intervals between the stools, 
namely, from four to six hours." 



278 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Soreness of the walls of the chest (30) as if bruised, with some 
sharp, stitching pains (30), is an indication for Arnica in rheuma- 
tism of the pectoral muscles, while the same bruised pain about the 
region of the heart leads to its use in affections of the cardiac 
muscle, hypertrophy (110) and fatty degeneration (109). 

In muscular rheumatism, besides the sharp pains and great 
loss of power or even paralysis, the chief characteristic would be 
the bruised sensation and the great soreness of the muscles to 
touch. In gouty inflammation of the j oints this symptom amounts 
to a fear of being approached, and as you enter the room the pa- 
tient notifies you that you are expected to keep your distance and 
not to come near enough to touch him (84). 

Arnica is of value in erysipelas (68) with tendency to ecchy- 
moses (65) and great prostration; in varicose veins and ulcers 
(205) ; in bed-sores (21) ; in gangrenous appearance (82) of con- 
tused wounds; in tendency to boils, especially in diabetes (56). 

Farrington speaks of its use " in boils and abscesses which have 
partially matured, but which instead of discharging, shrivel up 
by reason of absorption of the contained pus. Arnica given in- 
ternally and applied externally re-develops the abscess" (22). 

In eczema and psoriasis (158) it is to be thought of with " sym- 
metrical eruptions" (Deschere), where the eruption in one part or 
side of the body has its fellow on the corresponding part on the 
opposite side of the body and " clinically, " says Dearborn, "sym- 
metry has been found to be a very good indication for Arnica. " 

It is a valuable remedy in fevers of a low type, especially when 
malarial or typhoid in origin. Among the symptoms already 
mentioned as calling for the remedy, in typhoid especially, would 
be a general aching soreness of the whole body, with complaints 
of the hardness of the bed and inability to find a soft or comfort- 
able spot on which to lie. Normally of a stupid, non-restless 
(193) type, with added consciousness there comes increased 
knowledge of the soreness of the flesh (166), with restlessness 
(193), and constant desire to move or to be moved. 

There would be passive haemorrhages from the nose and bowels 
(85), offensive involuntary stools and putrid breath (24), bed- 
sores, heat of head and coldness of the lower part of the body. 



ARSENICUM ALBUM. 279 

I use Arnica 3rd or 30th, according to whether the injury is 
recent or remote. 

ARSENICUM ALBUM 

Arsenious Acid — White Arsenic — AS2O3. 

This remedy is "one of the oldest of Hahnemann's provings; 
but not published in the Fragmenta, nor in the first volume of 
his Materia Medica. The reasons for this omission he gives in 
1816, in. the second volume. The ignorant, maltreated, easily 
frightened people, seeing the great effect of small doses, cried him 
out a 'poison doctor'" (Hering). 

Hahnemann has, naturally, a good deal to say concerning the 
old school physicians who "evidently vie with one another who 
shall prescribe the largest possible doses of these drugs, .... 

"But if the homoeopathic medical art employ the same drugs, 
not at random, like the ordinary method, but after careful investi- 
gation, only in suitable cases and in the smallest possible doses, it 
is denounced as a practice of poisoning. 

"If Homoeopathy now make a fuller explanation — if she con- 
demn (as from conviction she must) the monstrous doses of these 
drugs employed in ordinary practice — and, if she, relying on care- 
ful trials, insist that very much less of them should be given for a 

dose, then see the adherents of the ordinary school who 

denounce the homoeopathic healing as a system of poisoning, see 
how they laugh aloud at what they call childishness, and declare 
themselves convinced (convinced without trial?) that such a small 
quantity can do nothing at all, and can have no effect whatever — 
is, indeed, just the same as nothing" (Mat. Med. Pura). 

Hahnemann also says : " But when I have finished with the wise- 
acre, who, never consulting experience, ridicules the small dose 
of homoeopathy as a nonentity, as utterly powerless, I hear on the 
other side the hypocritical stickler for caution still inveigh against 
the danger of the small doses used in homoeopathic practice, with- 
out a shadow of proof for his reckless assertion. 

"A few words here for such persons" (Mat. Med. Pura). 

The "few words" are too many for quotation and you are re- 
ferred to his Mat. Med. Pura for them. 



280 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Hahnemann advised the 30th dilution of Arsenicum, made from 
the 3rd trituration. 

Dunham after noting the effects in acute poisoning by the drug, 
which reads like a review of its characteristic symptoms, says: 
"A summary review of the effects of Arsenic leads us to conclude: 

"1. From the fact that, after death from poisoning by it, it is 
found in almost every tissue and secretion of the body, that it is 
universally diffused throughout the body and acts upon every 
part. 

"2. From the fact that its action and diffusion are uniform, 
however it be introduced into the body, whether through the skin 
or by the alimentary canal, that its action is specific and not local. 

"3. From its effects in chronic poisonings, producing anaemia, 
exhaustion, emaciation, etc., that it acts upon the blood composi- 
tion, as well as directly on the tissues and on the nervous system. " 

Arsenicum is a tissue remedy, with a wide range of action and an 
especial affinity for the skin and mucous membranes. 

It is a remedy with pronounced characteristics, making it one 
that is easily kept in mind, for one or more of these characteristic 
symptoms are found every time the remedy is prescribed. 

Periodicity. 

There is a tendency to "periodic complaints," says Hering, 
"return of complaints when the year comes round." In all con- 
ditions calling for the remedy there is apt to be an aggravation 
after midnight; "the pain and uneasiness return at regular hours 
as in fever and ague/' reads one symptom and Allen tells us that 
Arsenicum "produces well-marked intermittent fever, with in- 
complete resolution." 

Irritability. 

The physical body is in a constant state of irritability. 

If you have a cold in the head there is much tickling and irri- 
tation in the nose, with inclination to sneeze, but repeated sneez- 
ing affords no relief as the irritation is as great afterwards as it 
was before. 

The stomach is irritable in gastric conditions, and will reject any 
food or water that is sent down to comfort it, and if there is any 



ARSENICUM ALBUM. 281 

itching of the skin you must keep your hands off, as scratching 

will only make bad, worse. 

Anguish and Fear of Death, yet Despair of Life. 

You will recall that in Aeon, this fear of death is a feeling that 
one is seriously sick and the doctor and his remedies are anxiously 
looked for. In Arsenicum, on the other hand, the patient feels 
that his trouble is incurable, that he is going to die and that no 
medicine can help him. 
Profound Prostration and Great Restlessness. 

"Arsenic exhausts the vital power of certain organs or systems 
or of the entire organism, produces symptoms of impeded activity 
in the functions; indeed, in some cases, positive paralysis. 

"This asthenic condition characterizes the entire symptoma- 
tology of Arsenic" (Dunham). 

"The Arsenic condition tends deathward, " says Farrington, and 
it is indicated in states of profound prostration, rapid exhaustion 
or even collapse (34); great restlessness (160) is the usual accom- 
paniment, and with this tossing about, we find every movement 
followed by exhaustion. 
Thirst. 

Thirst is another characteristic of the remedy; the patients do 
not drink much at a time, a sip is usually enough, but they want it 
frequently ; little but often. This, perhaps, is not so much a con- 
dition of true thirst as it is a need for something to relieve the 
great dryness or burning that they have in their mouth (140), 
pharynx or stomach (178); this the sips of water will do momen- 
tarily, but they must be taken frequently as the burning soon 
returns. 
Burning Pains. 

The pains and discharges calling for Arsenicum are burning or 
excoriating and it is immaterial whether the patient is describing 
a gastric condition or an external ulcer, he will refer to the pains 
as burning. 
Relief from Heat. 

Another characteristic of the remedy is the relief experienced 
from warmth (10) ; better from the heat of the stove, is the way 
the symptom frequently reads. 



282 MATERIA MEDICA. 

In addition to these characteristics — 

Periodicity, 

Irritability, 

Anguish and fear of death, 

Prostration and restlessness, 

Thirst, 

Burning pains, 

Relief from heat — the Arsenicum patient in chronic conditions 
is weak, run-down and emaciated, with white and dry skin and of 
a general cachectic appearance, associated with a tendency to 
dropsical effusions (63). 

Mentally, we find melancholia, with tendency to commit sui- 
cide (183), in insanity they may try to mutilate themselves, rest- 
lessness (160), with constant change of place, wringing of hands 
and talking of the incurability of their complaint, with aggrava- 
tion the last part of the night. Nearly all the mental disorders 
calling for the remedy are characterized by extreme anxiety, 
fear of being alone (80), fear of death (81), yet despair of life, 
and restlessness (160). 

Arsenicum has a neuralgic headache, that is usually worse at 
night, with pains, that are likened by Hering to thrusts of hot 
wire, and with tendency to periodical return. 

In the eyes, in all external inflammations, we find extreme pain- 
fulness, burning pains (73), hot and excoriating lachrymation, 
swelling of the lids (79), often closing the eyes, and great photo- 
phobia. In ciliary neuralgia it is of value, when we have fine, 
burning pains and relief from heat. 

It is of importance in retinitis hemorrhagica (77), especially 
when dependent upon disease of the kidney. 

In the ears think of it for otorrhoea, with thin, excoriating, 
fetid discharge (63). 

Arsenicum is frequentty ndicated in profuse, fluent coryza 
(37) or hay-fever (88), "as a rule, there is no stoppage" of the 
nose (Allen), although we may find "stoppage of nose, alternating 
with fluent coryza" (Hering) (40). 

A symptom that I would accept with much reserve as it was not 
developed in the proving, but from poisoning from arsenical wall- 



ARSENICUM ALBUM. 283 

paper, is that the discharge is less in the open air. The discharge 
is thin, watery, burning and acrid (37), and excoriates the upper 
lip; along with this there is sneezing and as Farrington says, "this 
sneezing in the Arsenic case is no joke." It is not a good, old- 
fashioned, hearty sneeze that satisfies you and leads you to listen 
for the word gesundheit, but it is a paroxysm of sneezing and by 
the time you are enabled to take a long breath you find that the 
irritation to sneeze is as great, if not greater, than when you began. 

We have in Arsenicum an extreme sensitiveness to smell, they 
cannot even bear the smell of food (171). 

The face is pale and puffy in anaemia, gastro-intestinal troubles 
and even in fever; in chronic conditions it is pinched, sunken and 
cold, perhaps with cold sweat (185). 

In facial neuralgia (79) and in toothache (187) the pains are 
apt to be worse after midnight and are burning in character; but 
for all that, they are relieved by heat, and the favorite place for 
the Arsenicum patient is near the stove, as they feel so much bet- 
ter from its warmth. With the toothache the teeth feel too long 
(187). 

The gums are unhealthy and bleed easily (84), but the general 
cachexia of the patient and the concomitant symptoms must help 
you in the selection, as this is but one of several remedies where 
the gums bleed easily. 

Arsenicum is of value in many troubles of the tongue, such as 
neuralgia (192), canker sores (140) and epithelioma (192), all with 
burning pain (140). In fevers the tongue is dry, red, brown or 
black (192), and smooth as if varnished. In gastric conditions, 
it is often raw and fissured, looking like a piece of raw beef. 

It is a remedy to be thought of for ulceration of the mouth and 
for gangrenous sore mouth in children (141). There seems to be 
no prevailing taste ; the following are to be found at various times 
— sweet, sour, bitter, putrid and metallic (186). 

While Arsenicum is seldom called for in diphtheria in the early 
stage, it is indicated later with the extreme prostration as a mark- 
ed feature. 

In the oesophagus it is to be thought of in inflammation, with 
burning pain and spasmodic stricture on swallowing food. 



284 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Many gastric conditions, cancer (178), ulcer (181), chronic 
catarrh (178) and the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (153), 
call for Arsenicum, all with the characteristic indications of ex- 
treme prostration, great soreness and burning pain (178), the thirst 
for sips of cold water and the great irritability that causes the 
stomach to reject everything, even the swallow of water that is 
taken to relieve the burning. The whole inner portion of the 
stomach seems raw. It is to be thought of in gastralgia brought 
on by the slightest food or drink, and in gastritis due to ice-cream, 
if eaten too quickly, or to too much ice- water (177). 

In the many catarrhal and inflammatory conditions of the ab- 
domen, for which this remedy is useful, the same characteristic 
symptoms will be found, including the burning pains and great 
sensitiveness to touch (12), the extreme prostration, general 
coldness and tendency to collapse (34) and the relief from exter- 
nal heat. 

By this time, as it has been repeated so often, if I should ask you 
to give the indications for Arsenicum in haemorrhoids (86), you 
would reply in the words of the Handbook, " burning like fire, 
better from heat." 

In the diarrhoea calling for Arsenicum the stools are dark, scanty, 
watery or bloody, burning (61) and putrid (59), with aggrava- 
tion from eating (57) or drinking (57) and after midnight. The 
movements are preceded by violent burning pains in the intestines, 
they are excoriating and burning (61), may be accompanied by 
vomiting and cold sweat (185) and are followed by great exhaus- 
tion (58). Thirst and restlessness are constant features. 

In children suffering from marasmus (129) it is of great value, 
with the emaciation, prostration, irritable stomach and bowels 
and the other characteristic symptoms of the remedy. 

It is to be thought of in cystitis, with scanty urine and burning 
micturition (194). 

Arsenicum has become, with many, a routine remedy in chronic 
interstitial nephritis and the results are no more satisfactory here 
than with any routine remedy anywhere; but it is indicated in 
interstitial (124) and croupous nephritis (124), with weak heart, 
cedematous extremities and dropsy (63), very irritable stomach 



ARSENICUM ALBUM. 285 

and bowels, the characteristic thirst, scanty, hot and albuminous 
urine. While the urine is usually scanty in all diseases calling for 
the remedy, it may be suppressed in cholera (200) and in general 
dropsy (200). 

Menstruation is apt to be too early and too profuse (135), es- 
pecially in the anaemic (15) who cannot stand the loss of blood, 
and followed by exhaustion (138). 

It is also to be thought of in amenorrhcea (134), with profuse, 
excoriating leucorrhcea instead of the menses (126). The leucor- 
rhcea of Arsenicum, which is apt to be associated with anaemia, is 
excoriating (126), burning (126) and offensive (126). 

The right ovary is the one mostly affected (147) and the pains 
are burning as from fire, with aggravation after midnight. 

Arsenicum is of great value in diseased conditions of the uterus, 
including inflammations, ulcerations (204), cancer (202), and 
haemorrhages, with lancinating, burning pains. 

In laryngeal and pulmonary conditions, especially if chronic 
and the patient begins to show the strain and drain on the system, 
Arsenicum is frequently of value. A few of the many conditions 
where it is of use are, laryngeal catarrh and phthisis (150), broncho- 
pneumonia (151), phthisis (149), emphysema (66) with great 
dyspnoea and dyspnoea from oedema of the lungs (29), and 
asthma (19), all with aggravation after midnight and from cold 
air (21). 

The cough is worse after midnight (40) and from cold air (40) 
and Arsenicum is one of the remedies where the cough is caused 
by a sensation as if he had inhaled sulphur fumes (43). 

The expectoration is scanty and the cough is worse when lying 
on the back (42). 

It is of great value for the cachexia which is the precursor to 
chronic disease of the lungs (149) and while this state will be 
especially spoken of under our next remedy, Ars. iod., we want to 
remember Arsenicum in those cases in which a general anaemic 
condition (15) makes us fear for the patient's future and where 
there is easy exhaustion, a disinclination for the open air (5) and 
a general desire to hug the fire. 

The heart under Arsenicum is weak and tremulous (109), with 



286 MATERIA MEDICA. 

palpitation upon the slightest provocation (111), after stool, 
from motion or any exertion (111), and with aggravation after 
midnight. It is to be thought of in the irritable heart of tea- 
drinkers, and tobacco-smokers (114), in dropsy about the heart 
(109), as well as in general dropsy (63), with weak heart. 

We have already spoken of the restlessness of Arsenicum, mental 
and physical restlessness (160); one of Hahnemann's symptoms 
covering the latter condition, reads: " Uneasiness in the lower 
limbs, he cannot lie still in the night, and had to change the position 
of his feet all the time or to walk about (10), to get relief " (Allen's 
Encyclop.). 

It is a remedy to be thought of in sciatica, coming on or worse at 
night with burning pains (164) relieved by heat. 

On the skin it is indicated when there is a dry, scaly condition, 
as in eczema of the squamous type and in psoriasis (158). 

There is intense itching in Arsenicum, and burning after scratch- 
ing (122), so that the patient must refrain from scratching as the 
itching is easier to bear than the burning. The itching is worse 
from cold and better from heat. It is useful for dandruff (53), 
the whole scalp dry and scaly. 

In fevers of various kinds, Arsenicum is of great value; remit- 
tent, intermittent, typhoid (193) and typhus (193) fevers; in 
blood poisoning, hectic and yellow fevers and in hemorrhagic 
measles; in all these conditions, with tendency to disorganization 
of blood and other tissues, along with the general restlessness, 
irritability, thirst, etc., of the remedy. 

In intermittent fever the general indication would be the in- 
equality of the three stages. There is a short chill, long fever (121) 
and short sweat, or the chill and sweat, either or both, may be 
suppressed, but the fever is prolonged. 

The paroxysm may come on at almost any hour, but the usual 
time for it to begin is 12-2 a. m., or 1-2 p. m. and it is apt to antici- 
pate. The chill is short, and they hug the fire for relief or want to 
be wrapped up warmly, and usually there is no thirst during the 
chill. 

The fever is long lasting (121), is hot and burning, and accom- 
panied by restlessness, prostration, thirst and irritability of the 
stomach. 



ARSENICUM IODATUM. 287 

The sweat is very variable and is often absent and there is al- 
ways great exhaustion and prostration after the paroxysm is over. 
I use Arsenicum 6th. 

ARSENICUM IODATUM 

Arsenious Iodide — Asia. 

First proved by Dr. E. W. Beebe, of this country. 

Allen in his Encyclop. reports only three provings, by as many 
different persons, one taking repeated doses of one grain of the 1st, 
another took six doses of the 2nd in three days. It is a remedy 
that would well repay the work of a thorough proving. 

Hering makes the following statement: "Introduced by friends 
of the lower" (potencies), "it has been given most in the third 
decimal and always repeated." 

In Arsenicum iod. we have a combination of two drugs and, as 
in other chemical combinations, when taken into the system they 
break up and each element seems to work better, or at least quick- 
er and more vigorously, than if either were taken alone. The 
arsenical characteristics preponderate over those of iodine in this 
preparation. 

As a constitutional remedy in chronic conditions, it is of value 
for the scrofulous anaemic patient (15), with enlarged mesenteric 
(83) or other lymphatic glands (83). 

In the eyes it is of value in scrofulous inflammations (76), with 
burning pains, and in the ears for catarrhal inflammation (63) 
and deafness, due perhaps to scarlet fever (63), with fetid (63), 
corrosive discharge. 

In the ordinary coryza (37) and hay-fever (88), calling for 
this remedy, we have a very similar condition to tha,t found under 
Ars., only a more aggravated form. There is the great irritation 
and tingling in the nose, with constant desire to sneeze and no 
relief or satisfaction from sneezing, the profuse, watery, burning 
(39) and acrid (37) discharge that excoriates the upper lip, etc. 
It is a very frequently indicated remedy in hay-fever (88) and my 
preference in this condition is for the 6th potency. 

In the lungs Arsenicum iod. is useful in many conditions, includ- 



288 MATERIA MEDICA. 

ing catarrhal pneumonia (151) and phthisis (149). "the special 
indications being debility, night-sweats (185). either after the 
cavity has formed or when a cavity threatens to form, with a de- 
cidedly cachectic condition of the patient." "It seems probable." 
as Allen goes on to say, "that in the Iodide of Arsenic, we have 
found a remedy most closely allied to the manifestations of tuber- 
culosis ; it will be indicated by a profound prostration, rapid, irri- 
table pulse, recurring fever and sweats, emaciation, tendency to 
diarrhoea," etc. "It is especially valuable in non-tubercular 
phthisis." 

It is of great value in anaemia (15) and ansemic conditions, for 
the night-sweats of phthisis (185), blood-poisoning and other debil- 
itating diseases, and as a tonic (156) after exhausting diseases, 
especially after follicular tonsillitis and the grip. For these pur- 
poses I use Arsenicum iod. 3x triturate. 

I dislike the tablets for two reasons: they are apt to be mottled 
in appearance, the iodine coming to the surface (I am told that 
this does not harm their efficiency, even if it does their beauty) ; 
again, if made with any degree of heat a certain amount of the 
iodine will be driven off (I am told that they now know how to 
make the tablets by a cold process). 

One other word; do not dissolve the triturate or tablet of the 
1st or 3rd in water and have a teaspoonful taken every so often, 
for the iodine will be set free and more or less of it will be given off 
as vapor. 

ARTEMESIA VULGARIS 

Mug wort. 

{Artemesia — from Artemesia, the Greek Diana, goddess of 
chastity, as the plant was thought to bring on early puberty, is one 
explanation that is given for the name. Mugwort — from the 
Anglo-Saxon, mucg — midge, a fly or gnat -f wyrt, wort, plant?) 

This naturalized plant is an ancient remedy, having been 
mentioned by Hippocrates, but it has fallen into disrepute and is 
not now given in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. 

It has never been proved, as far as I know, but was introduced 
into our materia medica by Noack and Trinks, who took their 



ARUM TRIPHYLLUM. 289 

symptoms from observations made by the old school, and your 
attention would not be called to it if in a State Examination paper 
of April, 1898, this question had not been asked: "When should 
artemesia be given in epilepsy?" 

If Artemesia vulgaris is the remedy asked for, the following from 
Noack and Trinks' Handbuch will suggest their idea of its useful- 
ness. Epilepsy, which depends upon menstrual irregularities, 
occurring most frequently in young women whose catamenia are 
about to appear for the first time (67). Where the paroxysms 
recur several times a day at such short intervals that the patients 
have no time to recover full consciousness between the attacks 
(66). 

ARUM TRIPHYLLUM 

Indian Turnip — Jack-in-the-Pulpit — Memory Root. 

(Arum — apw, aron, wake-robin. Tryphyllum — triphullus — 
T/oi<£vyyvs, triphuggus, three-leaved — three leaflets.) 

Country boys coax their city cousins to bite into the fresh root 
and watch the effect that the acrid juice has on the mucous mem- 
branes of their friends. One trial is sufficient and the memory of 
its caustic effects remains with one through life, hence the reason 
for one of its common names. The acrid principle of the root is, 
however, very volatile, and heat and drying makes the root pala- 
table. 

Hale tells us that "it is very difficult to procure a permanent 
tincture of the fresh root" (which is used for our tincture) ; "alco- 
hol does not preserve it" but "distilled water, to which sufficient 
alcohol is added, may be a successful method of preparation." 

Arum tri. is an irritant poison, causing inflammation and burn- 
ing of mucous membranes, corrosive discharges and destruction 
of tissue, together with a low type of fever. 

The discharge, especially from the nose and mouth, is acrid and 
corroding, causing rawness and soreness of every part that it 
touches. The lips get dry and chapped and the discharge dries 
and forms scabs at the junction of the skin and mucous membrane, 
lips and nose especially, and the patient is unable to restrain from 






290 MATERIA MEDICA. 

picking at these scabs and removing them, which results in bleed- 
ing and an increase in the size of the raw places. 

There is a tendency to great depression of the vital forces in 
Arum tri. and it is very valuable in low types of diphtheria (62), 
scarlet (164) and typhoid fevers, with carphology (27) and 
especially with boring into the nose (145) and picking at the lips 
until they bleed. 

We are very apt to have delirium in these cases and there is a 
very acrid, excoriating discharge that burns every part that it 
touches; the throat, tongue and the whole mouth are sore and raw 
and the lips cracked and bleeding (127). In diphtheria the mem- 
brane involves the nose (62), which becomes completely stopped 
so that they must breathe through the mouth. 

A severe case requiring Arum tri. is something awful to look 
upon. A sense of duty alone is the only thing that will ever cause 
a physician to attend. Death seems inevitable and you cannot but 
feel that only a poor, weak mortal has been sent for to oppose it. 
If ever you are going to be rattled, it will be on some such occasion. 
If ever heroic measures are justified, this is the time you say to 
yourself. 

But let me tell you gentlemen, that if you want to fool with old 
school drugs for their physiological effects, do it in some slight, 
annoying, non-characteristic case, where you cannot readily get 
the picture of any remedy known to you ; but as you value your 
future peace of mind, give straight homoeopathy in the acute and 
severe cases. 

The more serious the case the clearer the symptoms stand out, 
and I beg of you to interpret them rightly and to give the remedy 
that they are asking for. 

In acute fluent coryzas (37) and in hay-fever (88) Arum tri. 
is of frequent use, with the same general picture of the remedy, 
differing only in degree; the excoriating discharge (37), the 
inclination to pick at the nose (145) and the feeling of rawness and 
soreness in the nose and throat. 

It is of great value in laryngitis, with great hoarseness ; there is 
inclination to clear the voice but with pain on so doing, and tear- 
ing in larynx on coughing (51). Laryngitis as the result of 
talking (117). Clergyman's sore throat (118). 



ASAFCETIDA. 291 

It is also of value when the voice suddenly gives out or breaks 
(207) when talking or singing. 

I wish to make a differentiation between two remedies, Caust. 
and Arum tri., in acute colds associated with hoarseness. In both 
the cold may first attack the larynx and either stay there or travel 
to the nose as an acute coryza, and then return to the throat. 
(When it is in the nose Caust. is not the remedy, while Arum tri. 
may be.) 

In both, hoarseness is the prominent feature, painless in Caust., 
painful in Arum tri. 

In Caust. there is a feeling as if there was mucus attached to 
the vocal cords which prevented their approximation. The pa- 
tients make forcible efforts to clear the cords and while but 
little mucus is raised the effort improves the voice. 

In Arum tri. there is considerable mucus which is raised in lumps 
but it hurts to dislodge it. There is rawness and more or less sore- 
ness on swallowing. It hurts to talk, seemingly from the move- 
ment of the vocal cords, and when they do speak it is done deliber- 
ately and with forethought as though they tried to talk around or 
over the cords so as to keep them immovable ; while in Caust. they 
talk through the cords with force so as to scrape off the mucus 
attached to them. 

In Arum tri. they cannot call to a person in the next room, for 
not only would it be painful but the voice would break on attempt- 
ing it. 

I use Arum tri. 1st or 3rd. 

ASAFCETIDA 

Devil's Dung. 
(Asafoetida — asa, mastic, a gum; fcetida, stinking.) 
We dissolve the fetid, inspissated sap from Persia, that comes 
in masses or "tears," in alcohol to make our tincture. 

In Persia, Asafoetida is used as a condiment for flavoring sauces 
and food. "A little — very little — rubbed on the gridiron, im- 
proves the flavor of beefsteak. If it were not for its intolerable 
odor" says Bartholow, who in describing its effects, furnishes us 
20 



292 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

with several good indications for its use homceopathically, "and for 
the horrible eructations, even disguised in a sugar-coated pill, it 
would be much more employed as a stomachic tonic in atonic 
dyspepsia accompanied by torpor of the intestines. 

"It is especially in the flatulence of hysteria and hypochon- 
driasis that this remedy is serviceable. It expels the flatus, pro- 
motes intestinal secretion and digestion, and relaxes the bowels. 
In this way the mind is relieved, but the action of Asafoetida ex- 
tends beyond this improvement in the state of the chylopoetic 
viscera — it induces a condition of mental cheerfulness which takes 
the place of the abnormal mobility of hysteria, and of the gloom 
of hypochondriasis." 

Asafoetida was introduced into our materia medica by Franz, in 
1822, Hahnemann contributing to the proving. 

Our principal use for the remedy is in hysteria and allied states, 
characterized by extreme sensitiveness to external impressions 
(166), especially excitement and noise, with great distention of 
the abdomen (13) and usually with belching of the wind, all 
passing upward and none downward. 

It is useful in hysterical spasms due to suppression of habitual 
discharges, such as the sudden checking of a chronic expectoration 
or of a chronic diarrhoea. 

It is very valuable in globus hystericus (119) that is brought on 
by any excitement, with a sensation of a ball or large body rising 
from the stomach up into the oesophagus or pharynx, and better 
from swallowing; associated with this we find great abdominal 
distention, and pressure on (29) and spasmodic tightness of the 
chest as if the lungs could not be fully expanded. In hysteria 
with the distention of the abdomen and eructations (13) tasting 
of garlic, we may have a very offensive diarrhoea, and regurgita- 
tion of food and liquid through the mouth, tasting like faeces, per- 
haps, as though the peristaltic action of the bowels were reversed. 

It is one of the remedies to be thought of in hystero-epilepsy 
(120). 

It is useful in supraorbital neuralgia, with severe boring (76), 
throbbing pains across the brows; there is aggravation at night, 
and relief from pressure and rest; also in syphilitic iritis (74) with 
the nocturnal pains in and around the eye. 



ASARUM. 293 

Asafoetida is a remedy to be thought of for troubles arising from 
the abuse of mercury (139) and for destructive syphilitic proces- 
ses, with deep ulcerations, , or for caries of the bones, especially 
the tibia. In these cases the characteristic indications are, the 
terrible throbbing pains at night and the extreme sensitiveness of 
the affected part to touch (166). 

ASARUM 

European Snake-Root. 

Hahnemann, who first proved Asarum, grows sarcastic over the 
methods and absence of detail amongst some old school men, who 
reported on what they called a complete proving of the drug, and 
he asks what they discovered from doses of from 28-46 grains, 
except that it caused vomiting five or six times, as if almost any 
substance when taken in excess would not be rejected by the 
stomach. "And did it do nothing more than this?" he continues. 
" And is this all the curative action that can be expected from it? 
How carelessly must they have acted in such an important mat- 
ter when they observed nothing more and discovered no more 
medicinal use for it?" (Mat. Med. Pura.) 

In reference to the amounts used by the old school, Hahnemann, 
continuing in the same mood, says that while we do not know all 
the purposes for which substances were ordained, they must be 
manifold, and they were not simply created in large quantities in 
order that we might be enabled to give them in large doses. 

Asarum is not a frequently used remedy, which is due in a 
measure to our ignorance of all its known symptoms. 

It has a mental condition, noticed while walking, in which he 
imagines that he is hovering in the air like a spirit. 

Had I known this when I had a case presenting not only this 
symptom, but also some of the nervous symptoms of the remedy, 
I might have afforded at least relief instead of the failure that re- 
sulted from my lack of knowledge. 

The most prominent feature under Asarum is an increased 
sensibility or hyperesthesia of all the senses (166). This is es- 
pecially noticeable in certain forms of irritable nerves in anaemic 



294 MATERIA MEDICA. 

women, wh re the scratching on linen or similar substance is in- 
tolerable; in fact so sensitive is the Asarum patient that the mere 
thought of it makes her shudder. While the pathogenesis is silent 
on the subject, we can readily imagine that the sharpening of a 
slate-pencil in her presence might bring on a convulsion. 

Asarum is to be thought of in the nausea and vomiting of 
pregnancy (153) when associated with the extreme sensitiveness 
of the remedy. 

Hering gives " unconquerable longing for alcohol" and Allen 
in his clinical notes says, the " desire for alcoholic drinks (15) is 
said to be controlled by Asarum." 

I use Asarum 3rd. 

ASCLEPIAS CORNUTI 

Common Milkweed. 

(Asclepias — ao-/<Ae7uas, Asclepias, iEsculapius to whom the 
genus is dedicated. Cornuti- — cornu, a horn — the crown of the 
flower consists of five hooded bodies, each containing an incurved 
horn.) 

Allen gives as the first prover, Dr. Clerborne, an old school man, 
who took the fluid extract and infusion of the root and the inspis- 
sated juice of the fresh herb. 

Asclepias corn, is a remedy to be thought of in nervous head- 
aches after suppressed perspiration, followed or relieved by sweat- 
ing and profuse urination (93). 

It increases the amount of urine and the perspiration and is use- 
ful in dropsy (63) dependent upon diseases of the heart or kid- 
neys and following scarlet fever. 

Hale makes especial mention of it "in the uraemia of pregnant 
women." 

It has proved of value in rheumatism of the large joints (161). 

ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA 

Pleurisy Root. 

This plant, the popular name of which indicates its principal 
use, was first proved by Dr. M. S. Savery, of France. 



ASTERIAS RUBENS. 295 

Its chest symptoms remind one very strongly of Bryonia, for 
instance, respiration painful, especially at base of 1. lung; cough 
dry and harsh, causing pain in forehead and abdomen; pain be- 
hind sternum, shooting, cutting, worse from long breath; spaces 
between ribs close to sternum tender on pressure. 

It has been used with success in bronchitis, pleurisy (150) and 
intercostal neuralgia (120). 

ASPARAGUS 

Asparagus officinalis (the word is said to be of Persian origin) 
was first proved by Dr. Buchner in 1840, he using the edible 
portion, the young sprouts, to prepare the tincture. 

Asparagus is a marked diuretic, communicating a peculiar odor 
to the urine ; it depresses the heart and produces profuse nasal and 
bronchial secretions. 

It is to be thought of in cystitis and prostatitis, with strong- 
smelling urine containing pus and mucus (199) and associated, 
perhaps, with palpitation and pains about the heart. 

It has proved useful in weak heart of old people, with scanty and 
offensive urine, oppression of the chest and pains about the 1. 
shoulder. 

I have never used the tincture, but have used the water in which 
the plant was boiled as a diuretic. 

ASTERIAS RUBENS 

Red Stakfish. 

First proved by Dr. Petroz of Spain, in 1850. 

We know but little of the clinical results of this remedy. 

It has been used in apoplexy, preceded by sudden attacks of 
vertigo; for attacks of epilepsy, preceded for several days by 
twitching over the whole body; and for chorea (31), quiet only 
when the hands were in the pockets. 

Asterias has a pain, probably neuralgic, that runs from under 
the 1. breast, over the inner portion of arm to the end of the little 
finger. 



296 MATERIA MEDICA. 

AURUM METALLIGUM 

Gold. 

Pure metallic gold is triturated with sugar of milk at least up to 
the 3rd. 

Our knowledge of the value of gold, as a medicine, is due to 
Hahnemann, who proved it in 1818. He says, " modern physi- 
cians have pronounced" gold "to be quite inactive; they have at 
length expunged it out of all their Materia Medicas, and thereby 
deprived us of all its mighty curative virtues" (Mat. Med. Pura). 

He also gives us the reasons advanced by the physicians of his 
day, and even earlier, for their disbelief in the use of gold as a 
remedy, and we quote the following: "It is incapable of solution 
in our gastric juice, hence it must be quite powerless and useless. 
What effect can the low temperature of our stomach have on gold- 
leaf, seeing that it is unaltered by the most intense heat. 

"Patients may take my word for it, and spare themselves the 
expense of employing gold as a medicine — they can never obtain 
any medicinal virtue from it for their maladies. 

"Seeing that gold in its metallic state cannot be dissolved or 
altered by the vital power, it can consequently have no medicinal 
action, but what it exerts on the intestines by virtue of its weight, 
hardness and mechanical form." (This last writer evidently 
thought that the remedy was to be used in the form of nuggets.) 

Hahnemann says: "At first I allowed myself to be deterred by 
these deniers from hoping for medicinal properties in pure gold) 
but .... I could not persuade myself to consider any metal what- 
soever as destitute of curative powers" (Mat. Med. Pura). 

Another reason that caused Hahnemann to wish to prove this 
metal was the accounts that he had access to, of its use by Arabian 
physicians, one of whom in the eighth century said: " gold is a 
substance that gladdens and preserves the body in youth" (Chr. 
Dis.); and another in the eleventh century wrote that "powdered 
gold is one of the medicines against melancholia, removes fcetor 
of the breath, is, even when given internally, a remedy for falling 
of the hair, strengthens the eyes, is useful in pain of the heart and 
palpitation, and is uncommonly serviceable in dyspnoea" (Mat. 
Med. Pura). 



AURUM METALLICUM. 297 

Hahnemann in commenting on these statements, says: "From 
these it will be perceived that the assertions of the Arabians are 
not without foundation, as even small doses of this metal .... 
caused even in healthy adults morbid states very similar to those 
cured (in unconscious homoeopathic manner) by these Orientals, 
who deserve credit for their discovery of remedies" (Mat. Med. 
Pura) . 

Aurum causes general destructive action on tissues, especially 
on connective tissues in parenchematous organs and on bones, 
and is useful in interstitial changes and fatty degeneration of 
heart (109), liver (127) and kidneys. 

It is a remedy that is frequently indicated in secondary syphilis 
(186), and for the bad effects of mercurial poisoning (139), in both 
conditions where the mental symptoms of the remedy and the 
nightly aggravation of the pains are prominent features, and "it 
is an admirable medicine for those constitutions broken down by 
the combined influence of syphilis and mercury" (Hughes). 

Some of the characteristics of the remedy are, a settled melan- 
cholia, with the general impression that he is not fit to live, boring 
pains especially in the bones, and an aggravation of all conditions 
as the day progresses, and worse at night. 

This melancholia is prominent when the remedy is called for in 
syphilitic cases, when there is hopelessness and disgust for life, 
longing for death (so they say), and frequent talk of committing 
suicide (183), but it ends in talk (more's the pity), what Allen, in 
his lecture, spoke of as a " suicidal hysteria." It is to be thought 
of in melancholia, with weeping, in religious melancholia (131), 
"when constant prayer may be the most noticeable symptom" 
(Talcott), and in mental derangements, with constant rapid ques- 
tioning, without waiting for replies (55), 

There is more or less vertigo in Aurum, noticeable especially 
when stooping (207), or when walking, with tendency to fall 
to the left (207). 

We have rush of blood to the head and violent boring pains 
(106), pressing outward and worse at night, also exostoses on the 
skull, especially syphilitic, with boring pains and great sensitive- 
ness to touch. 



298 MATERIA MEDICA. 

In the eye Aurum is useful for many acute inflammations, 
especially with tendency to ulceration of the cornea (77) and 
extreme photophobia, which is considered by some as being worse 
from gaslight than it is from daylight. It is of value in syphilitic 
iritis (74), with intolerable pain in the bones around the eye, the 
pain extending into the face and nose, with great soreness all 
about the eye; the pains are burning or boring, and very much 
worse at night. 

It is to be thought of in hemiopia (74), when objects above the 
median line are invisible and the patient can only see objects in 
the lower field of vision. It is a valuable remedy for trachoma 
(79) and for scrofulous ophthalmia (76), in both conditions with 
much photophobia. Hering gives Aurum as one of the remedies 
where we have profuse, scalding tears on opening the eyes (76). 

In the nose it is to be thought of in destructive processes, es- 
pecially when due to syphilis. It is very valuable in caries of the 
nasal bones (142), with boring pains, worse at night and with great 
sensitiveness to touch, in ozsena (148) and in ulceration of the soft 
parts of the nose and of the septum (145). The nostrils are ulcer- 
ated and agglutinated and the discharge is thick, purulent and 
bloody, and of the most horrible odor (143). 

Aurum is of value in diseases of the antrum of Highmore (117) 
and abscesses of the mastoid (64). (It is a question whether 
we have any right to depend upon remedies in caries of the mastoid. 
It is a case for the operating otologist.) 

Aurum is a remedy that is especially suited to old people and 
particularly so when there is a tendency towards fatty degenera- 
tion and interstitial changes in the liver, kidneys and heart, and 
for those of a gouty diathesis. 

In the kidneys it is of value in chronic interstitial nephritis (124), 
especially when due to cardiac or hepatic diseases, with more or 
less ascites and very profound melancholia. 

In the heart, we have a feeling of great oppression about the 
heart (110) and cardiac difficulty in breathing (25), in both of 
these conditions, with aggravation at night and weak pulse. In 
heart troubles requiring Aurum we usually find in addition, great 
depression of spirits. It is valuable for hypertrophy of the heart 



BAPTISIA TINCTORIA. 299 

(110), with tendency to fatty degeneration (109), sometimes 
with palpitation and wandering pains, anguish or anxiety com- 
ing from the cardiac region, and a feeling as if the heart would cease 
beating (113). It is also to be thought of in rheumatic endocard- 
itis (162). Along with all these heart conditions we find dropsy 
of the lower limbs, aggravation of the pains at night and great 
depression of spirits. 

In the male sexual organs we can think of Aurum in atrophy 
of the testicles (188), especially when found in boys, and associ- 
ated with a pining disposition, listlessness and melancholia. It 
is useful in enlargement of the testicles, when dependent upon a 
chronic inflammation, the testicle (r. especially) indurated (188), 
and with aching and severe pain, worse at night. It is also to be 
thought of in hydrocele (119), especially in the young. 

In the female sexual organs Aurum is of value in amenorrhea 
(134), "with great melancholia" (Hering), for an enlarged and 
indurated uterus (202), with the resulting prolapsus (203), and 
for chronic metritis, with great sensitiveness. It is useful in 
vaginismus (205), with hysterical spasms, and for sterility (173), 
with lowered vitality of the parts, especially when the longing 
for children has caused a decided melancholia, with constant 
dwelling on the subject. 

I use Aurum 30th. 

BAPTISIA TINCTORIA 

Wild or False Indigo. 

(Baptisia — Ba7TTi£a> ; baptizo, I dye, dip, or immerse. Tinctoria 
— tinctus, dye.) 

Baptisia is indigenous to the United States and was formerly 
employed as a dye. The root, which is taken for our tincture, is 
brown to black in color, becoming like the rest of the plant, even 
the canary-yellow flowers, black when dry. 

Baptisia was first used by the Eclectics and introduced into our 
materia medica by Dr. Thompson in 1857. While it has not a 
wide range of action, it is an important remedy and is always 
associated with a condition of profound mental and physical 
depression (155). 



300 MATERIA MEDICA. 

"It seems/' says Hale, "to affect principally the blood, impair- 
ing its integrity, the nervous system, which it deprives of its 
normal tonicity, and the mucous surface, which under its influence 
ulcerates and takes on inflammatory action, with a decided ten- 
dency to unhealthy, fetid discharge." 

All the discharges and exhalations are offensive; breath, sweat, 
urine, faeces are fetid and fetor of the whole body is one of the 
key-notes for the use of the remedy. 

Prostration, with disorganization of the blood and tendency of 
fluids to decompose, is another prominent symptom. 

A bruised, weary feeling over the whole body (166), and es- 
pecially in the lower limbs, is found in Baptisia and in addition to 
this there is restlessness of both mind and body (160). The body 
is restless; they want to move but feel too sick to make the effort. 
The mind is restless, with constant wandering thoughts and mut- 
tering (55) ; the ideas are confused and in delirium, especially in 
the early morning, there is an idea that the pieces of the body are 
separated (54) and that one or more of them are lying around 
loose in the bed and he wonders how they got away and what 
means he can employ, when he feels so sick, to get the parts back 
where they belong; whether he can manage to get his body over 
to where his leg seems to be or if it would not be easier to get his 
hand over there and pull his leg back into place; but he feels so 
weak and prostrated that either method seems more than he is 
able to accomplish. 

There is an indisposition to think or to make any mental effort, 
and Baptisia is of value in brain-fag (93), with a feeling of heavi- 
ness of the head. With this feeling as if the head were too heavy 
to hold up, or as if it were too large, there is often a sensation of a 
band across the forehead, or as if the skin of the forehead were 
being drawn backward. 

We have already spoken of the general disagreeable odor sur- 
rounding the Baptisia patient, and it is especially pronounced when 
associated with fever. The gums, mouth and throat are often sore 
and ulcerated; the tongue is coated, yellow to black, often ulcer- 
ated and perhaps with a feeling as if it had been burnt or scalded 
(140) and the teeth are covered with sordes; the breath, for lack 
of a stronger term, is spoken of as fetid (24). 



BAPTISIA TINCTORIA. 301 

It is of value in the sore mouth of nursing infants (140) and of 
nursing women, and in the sto atitis of phthisis. 

In diphtheria besides the extreme fetor (62), or as Allen puts it, 
"horrible odor from the mouth," we would have a patient in a 
very low state (62), with dark, congested face (207) and inability 
to swallow anything except liquids. 

Clinically, thirst is more prominent than the pathogenetic 
symptoms would lead one to suppose. 

In diarrhoea, especially in low types of fevers, the evacuations 
are usually dark and thin, faecal in appearance but not in odor; 
often with great soreness over the region of the gall-bladder. In 
dysentery, we would have some tenesmus, but as with the diar- 
rhoea, the movements are usually painless. Farrington calls our 
attention to the fact that " painlessness may decide for Baptisia if 
in many serious conditions, "when the suspicious odor and gen- 
eral weakness offer a dangerous reason for the absence of pain" 
(quoted by Hale). 

It is of great value in low typhoid states of many diseases, 
eruptive and malarial, and it is frequently indicated in typhoid. 
Hughes says: " Baptisia is capable of exciting true pyrexia in the 
human subject. This is no slight thing, for there are very few 
other drugs to which we can ascribe such power. And this pyrexia, 
in the case of Baptisia, is exceedingly like that of the early period 
of typhoid. The soft and full, yet quickened pulse, the head- 
ache and tendency to delirium, the soreness all over, and intoler- 
ance of pressure when lying, are marked symptoms of this stage 
of the disease." 

While it is not possible to abort typhoid fever, our remedies will 
so modify the character of the disease as to rob it of half its terrors. 
This is frequently noticed in reference to Baptisia and one grows 
to have an especial fondness for it and if the case is a severe one, 
you feel a great satisfaction when you find the symptoms pointing 
to this remedy. 

One author, Millspaugh, in his enthusiasm says: "Any physi- 
cian, of whatever school of practice, who fails to use this remedy in 
typhoid alone where it is so often indicated, allows many an op- 
portunity to save a life to escape him." 



302 MATERIA MEDICA. 

The following symptoms of a case of typhoid calling for Baptisia, 
will serve also as a recapitulation of the prominent ones of the 
remedy. Great weakness and exhaustion; sick all over; all parts 
of the body feel sore, feet painful even from resting them on the 
floor; sensitiveness of r. iliac region and soreness of abdomen 
generally; restlessness (193); more or less stupor or muttering 
delirium, especially with the idea that he is scattered over the 
bed and must collect the pieces; face congested and dusky; sordes 
on teeth ; tongue yellow in center, red, dry and shining on edges ; 
thirst ; fetor of breath, body and stool. 

I use Baptisia in the tincture. 

BARYTA GARBONICA 

BaC0 3 . 

Baryta carb. was first proved by Hahnemann. 

It is a profound tissue remedy, affecting glandular structures 
especially and is indicated in general degenerative changes. 

It is a remedy that is particularly adapted to the extremes of 
life; for infancy with too slow and imperfect development; for old 
age with too rapid deterioration, when the degenerative changes 
commence too early. 

Where the child is not as old as it looks to be, and the man has 
not reached the years that his arteries would seem to indicate. 

The child is thin and wrinkled, looking like a dwarf, or prefer- 
ably like an old man (31), and showing a condition of malnutri- 
tion (129) both mental and physical. The memory is weak, the 
child seems inattentive and stupid; does not learn to play or to 
walk (31) and may approach a state bordering on idiocy. There 
is a general scrofulous condition, the glands are swollen and indur- 
ated (82), the mesenteric glands (83) are enlarged and the 
abdomen hard and swollen, pot-bellied (31). The child does not 
thrive, it seems hungry but a very little satisfies and there is a 
constant state of colic. 

In old people and especially for those who have grown old be- 
fore their time, there is profound degenerative changes in the 
coats of the arteries, a softening, with tendency to dilatation and 



BARYTA CARBONICA. 303 

aneurism (18), to apoplexy (18) and to various paralyses, in- 
cluding paralysis of the tongue (192). 

Remember this differentiation between Plumb, and Baryta 
carb. in reference to the arteries, the former producing thickening 
and contraction, the latter softening and dilation. 

The old people needing Baryta carb. are dejected and unsoci- 
able; they suffer from loss of memory (133) and may progress to 
a state of senile dementia (166). It is useful in early mental im- 
pairment the result of masturbation (168) and whether due to 
habits or to degenerative changes, we find it of value for enlarged 
prostate and for diminished sexual desire and premature impo- 
tency (168). 

Baryta carb. is useful for lipoma, especially about the neck, for 
wens and other cystic tumors, and for swollen and indurated 
glands in nape of neck and occiput. Hering speaks of it for 
glandular swellings and parotitis after scarlet fever, and it is of 
great value for swelling of the submaxillary glands (83), especi- 
ally those glands posterior to the parotids. 

Baryta carb. is useful for crusta lactea, dry scales or moist crusts, 
and with falling of the hair It is also to be thought of for prema- 
ture baldness (88), " especially on the crown" (Hering), in scrof- 
ulous people. 

It is useful for suppuration of the middle ear, especially when 
associated with quinsy, and it may prove of value for deafness of 
old people, when due to impairment of the auditory nerve. 

The Baryta carb. patient catches cold easily (5) ; the head is 
sensitive to cool air and he is "disposed to catch cold from wash- 
ing the head" (Hering). If the cold takes the form of coryza, 
besides frequent sneezing and discharge of thick yellow mucus, 
we have as the characteristic of the remedy, great swelling of the 
upper lip. If the cold attacks the throat, the normally large 
tonsils become inflamed and swollen and we have as the result, 
either follicular tonsillitis or a peri-tonsillar suppuration or quinsy. 

Baryta carb. is not only useful in the beginning of quinsy (158), 
but it is our most valuable, if not our only, prophylactic against 
this very painful and distressing trouble. 

Allen, in the Handbook, says that Baryta carb. "seems to remove 



304 MATERIA MEDICA. 

the predisposition to quinsy." I venture to substitute the word 
"will" for "seems to," and I am so confident that Baryta carb. 
30th will act as a preventive against quinsy, that I am ready to 
make a test of it with you, and if anyone here, having, within the 
next five years, a case of recurrent quinsy and wishing to try these 
prophylactic powers, I will, upon request, furnish the remedy, pro- 
vided that you on your part will agree to send me, in writing, the 
results that you find, be it for or against. 

The Baryta carb. patient has habitual sweat of the feet (185), 
"worse while at rest in the morning, and relieved by exercise out 
of doors" (Dearborn). The feet are apt to be cold (71), damp 
and troubled with corns (37) and callosities, and the patient is 
subject to quinsy. 

The adult, needing this remedy, is usually constipated, with 
small, hard, insufficient stools (88) and burning haemorrhoids 
(86). 

It is to be thought of for chronic aphonia in scrofulous subjects 
and for broncho-pneumonia (147) of old people. 

I use Baryta carb. 30th. 

BELLADONNA 

Deadly Nightshade. 

This European plant, Atropa Belladonna, is of the family of 
sedatives. 

(Atropha — Atropos, one of the Fates whose duty was to clip the 
thread of life. Belladonna — the Italian for beautiful lady, prob- 
ably because the Italians made an extract from the berries for 
preserving the freshness of the complexion.) 

(A student from another College once gave this explanation for 
the calling of deadly nightshade, Belladonna or beautiful lady; 
he said he supposed it was "because its physiological action was 
to paralyze the heart and to stimulate the sympathetic") 

Belladonna was first proved by Hahnemann. 

We all know that when he commenced to give medicine on the 
homoeopathic principle of the similarity of the drug to the diseased 
process, he prescribed the usual doses of the time, Opium, one- 



BELLADONNA. 305 

fifth to half a grain, Ignatia, two or three grains, Ipec, five grains, 
Nux vom., four grains, Camphor, thirty to forty grains, Cinchona 
bark, one to two drams ; and as he found that such dosage caused 
aggravation, for that reason and for no other, he reduced the 
amount, for he was not subject to criticism for the amount that he 
had administered. It may not be known, however, that when 
he used Belladonna, for instance, it excited a good deal of adverse 
comment, notwithstanding that at this time he advised its use in 
the 30th potency, for he says: " Those small-souled persons who 
cry out against its poisonous character must let a number of pa- 
tients die for want of Belladonna, and their hackneyed phrase, that 
we have well-tried remedies for these diseases, only serves to prove 
their ignorance, for no medicine can be a substitute for another" 
(Mat. Med. Pura). 

Dunham says: "The action of Belladonna on the system is so 
general and so complex as almost to defy analysis. On the vital 
forces of animal life its action is pre-eminent," while "on the 
organic substance it acts less profoundly." 

On the heart its action is two-fold, stimulating the accelerator 
centers and paralyzing the pneumogastric, or "the motor power 
of the heart is increased in activity, and the inhibitory control is 
lessened" (Bartholow). The heart's action is rapid, pulse full and 
frequent, the peripheral vessels dilated. There is wild delirium 
ending in stupor; convulsions, with dilated pupils. The urine is 
at first increased ,then suppressed, and it suppresses the secretion 
of glands, of mucous membranes and of the skin. It produces 
intense scarlet redness and hyperesthesia of the skin (166) and high 
fever, with absence of thirst (189). There is irritability and acute- 
ness of all the senses, taste, smell, sight, hearing, touch (166), 
and the mind is easily moved and the thoughts are more active. 

Belladonna is a remedy for acute conditions ; the pains in many 
lesions are in short attacks, or are characterized by the fact that 
they come and go quickly (148). It is a remedy where the affect- 
ed part is congested and full of arterial blood, and the skin is dry 
and burning to the touch (in Aeon, the skin is dry and hot; in the 
Belladonna condition the word burning is more appropriate). 

Belladonna is particularly useful in plethoric persons. It is a 
right-sided remedy (163). 



306 MATERIA MEDICA. 

"Belladonna develops two distinct states of mind. One where 
the patient is flushed ; the mental powers seem unduly excited and 
exaggerated" (Talcott). He may have hallucinations of sight, 
of horrid monsters or of mice (54), which excite fear or laughter, 
but more characteristic of this stage is great excitement and fury, 
with tendency to run about and escape from the room or bed (53). 
He tears clothing, howls and strikes, bites or spits at his attendant. 
Associated with this we have dryness of the skin and mucous mem- 
branes, with an aversion to water amounting to a dread of drink- 
ing. Hahnemann was the first to advise the use of Belladonna 
for hydrophobia (119). 

" There is also a contrary state where the patient passes into a 
stupid and dazed condition; the pupils remain wildly dilated ; there 
is heavy stertorous breathing; the face is purplish red; there is 
marked rigidity or steady tension of the muscles; and occasionally 
there is low muttering delirium" (Talcott). 

The headaches calling for Belladonna are very severe, " terrific" 
says Allen, and there is throbbing (102) and a congested feeling 
as if the head were full of arterial blood (104). The headaches 
are violent at the base of the brain (100) and the head is gen- 
erally drawn backward, with aggravation on bending the head 
forward. There is violent throbbing in temples and carotids, 
there is a rush of blood to the head (102) and a sensation "as 
though the brain rose and fell" (106) "in hot waves" (Allen's 
lecture), and the face is red and burning hot. The headaches may 
be so violent that the patient seems to get blind (104) and becomes 
unconscious. "At times, the pain becomes a severe aching or 
stabbing, and is sometimes associated with extreme sensitiveness 
of the scalp externally" (Allen's lecture) (91), when even the 
pressure or dragging of the hair causes pain. The headaches are 
almost universally aggravated by light (95), by motion (96) or 
any jar and by noise (96). 

Belladonna is also of value for sunstroke (98) and in the early 
stage of meningitis (133) and apoplexy (18). 

Dunham sums up these head conditions thus: " Belladonna 
seems to be required in cases in which the arterial storm which 
would have indicated Aconite has already burst upon the patient 



BELLADONNA. 307 

and localized its action in the encephalon; this localization is still 
in the first stage of engorgement and plastic deposit. When the 
period of serous effusion arrives or when the deposit is complete, 
the case has already passed beyond the province of Belladonna." 

In the eyes we have the dilated pupils (76) and photophobia, 
the protruding or sparkling eyes, with injected conjunctiva, es- 
pecially with dryness, and a feeling of stiffness of the muscles, or 
heat, as if the eyes were enveloped in a hot vapor, with a vision of 
sparks before the eyes, or of colored halos around the light, the 
red predominating, or of flashes of light (78). 

It is of value in supraorbital (76) and infraorbital neuralgias 
of the r. side, in ciliary neuralgia (75), for congestion of the con- 
junctiva, inflammation of the optic nerve, and haemorrhages from 
the retina (77) due to suppression of eruptions or of the menses. 
It is seldom to be thought of in glaucoma and not to be used 
unless you are an oculist and willing to take the responsibility. 
(Atropine is never to be used in glaucoma.) 

Belladonna is frequently indicated in acute earache (63), 
especially of the r. side, with throbbing and burning, the child 
screams with the pain, which is paroxysmal in character, and with 
relief, as it seems to me, from pressure or when lying on a hard 
pillow. 

In facial neuralgia (80) and in toothache, the r. side is mostly 
affected, the pains come and go suddenly and while light touch 
may aggravate, pressure or clenching the teeth tightly seems to 
stop the blood supply and give momentary relief (187). 

It is useful in erysipelas (68) of the face, with the bright red- 
ness and heat, and it is to be thought of in lock-jaw and tetanus 
(189). 

It is of value in teething of children (187), with fever, flushed 
face and excitement, and it is one of the remedies spoken of for 
stuttering (182). 

The mouth and throat are hot, dry and red, and the tongue pre- 
sents the well-known strawberry appearance, characterized by 
the deep redness of the papillae, and Belladonna is indicated in the 
beginning of many inflammatory diseases of the throat, when the 
r. side is more affected and with great hyperaemia and dryness and 
21 



308 MATERIA MEDICA. 

a sensation as if too narrow when swallowing, or with spasmodic 
contraction of the pharyngeal muscles and regurgitation of 
liquids on attempting to swallow (183). 

In the stomach, we have nausea and vomiting of food, soreness 
and burning (178) and usually thirst for cold water. Allen says: 
"Nausea and vomiting are among the most persistent effects of 
this drug; these symptoms are more frequently associated with 
other Bell, symptoms than is generally supposed." It is useful in 
gastritis and for most violent gastralgia, with, as our chief guide 
in the selection of the remedy, the paroxysmal character of the 
pains (180), without desire to double up, but rather with necessity 
to bend backward (174). Hering speaks of "pain in stomach 
extending through to spine (180), between shoulders." This is a 
purely clinical symptom and I do not know of its value. 

In inflammatory conditions of the abdomen, three characteristic 
indications for the remedy are, skin hot and burning, extreme 
sensitiveness of the abdomen to touch and intolerance of even the 
pressure of the clothing (12). 

It is to be thought of for bleeding haemorrhoids (85), with forc- 
ing downward and great tenderness to touch, in dysentery, 
especially in children, the mucous membrane of the anus swollen 
and everted and for acute cystitis or dysuria (194) particularly 
of children and excitable women. 

Menstruation is too early and too profuse (135), bright red and 
hot, at times coming out in gushes (137) but very often as a haem- 
orrhage of very offensive (137) or decomposed, putrid odor, and 
found especially in women of full habit. We may have suppress- 
ed menstruation with violent cerebral symptoms, even convul- 
sions (135), and dysmenorrhoea, especially neuralgic (139). 

Belladonna is of value in prolapsus (203) and inflammation of 
the uterus, with heavy, forcing, dragging pain, as if the uterus 
were heavy with hot blood (202) and for fibroid tumors of the 
uterus (202), with the sensation of weight and paroxysmal dis- 
charge of hot blood. 

During labor, we would find constriction of the lower part of the- 
uterus, the rigid (154) or wire-edged os, with great heat of the 
parts. Remember it for retained placenta (150), due perhaps 



BELLADONNA. 309 

to the spasmodic constriction, and for post-partum haemorrhage 
(152), with gushes of bright red, hot blood. 

Belladonna is of value for ovarian tumor, with, as Minton says, 
aggravation during the menstrual periods, and for ovaritis and 
neuralgia (147) of the r. ovary (147), with great tenderness to 
touch and a sensation of heat, fulness and pressure downward 
through the vagina. 

In acute laryngitis and in spasmodic croup, the larynx is hot 
and dry as if glazed, is very sore or feels swollen, with suffocation. 
The cough is dry, like the bark of a dog, causes great pain and 
is associated with pronounced hoarseness or loss of voice. In 
whooping cough we have cough in short paroxysms, preceded by 
crying (41) and accompanied by hot head and face, and nose- 
bleed of bright red, hot blood (47). 

In the early stage of mastitis (22) Belladonna is frequently 
indicated, the breast hot and extremely sensitive to touch, with 
bright red streaks radiating from the nipple. 

The pulse of Belladonna is full and bounding and the fevers and 
congestions are attended with marked throbbing of the carotids. 

It is a remedy to be thought of where one catches cold readily 
(5) from a slight draught of air, especially after getting the hair 
cut (5) and it is frequently indicated in stiff-neck, worse on the 
r. side, from taking cold. 

Hyperesthesia of the whole surface of the body (166) or of 
the affected part is very pronounced under Belladonna and it is 
useful in spinal irritability (171) with extreme sensitiveness to 
touch, where pressure on the dorsal vertebrae causes screams and 
distress in the stomach, or violent cough and flushed face. 

In sciatica there is this same sensitiveness, the nerve feels as if 
uncovered and the patient cannot bear to have anything press 
upon the affected part. 

There is a good deal of restlessness (160) and mental excitement 
with dreams as of fire on falling asleep, and frequent waking in 
fright (81). Children especially have restless sleep, talk and 
quarrel, with sudden starting and jerking of the extremities (193). 

Belladonna is rarely indicated in typhoid fever, but frequently 
in fever during dentition and particularly in scarlet fever. 



310 MATERIA MEDICA. 

"One of the most characteristic features of Belladonna poison- 
ing" is "a rash over the whole body, a rash that is only a smooth 
scarlet redness .... This scarlet-like redness of the skin, the di- 
rect and unmistakable action of Belladonna, seems like a true ex- 
anthemata. This rash a little later, desquamates like true scarla- 
tina. During this period of desquamation, the action of the kid- 
neys is less frequent and nephritis of an acute or catarrhal nature 
may supervene. In short, we have a picture (almost an exact 
counterpart.) of an attack of scarlatina. The prodromal fever, 
with cerebral excitement, the dry mouth and throat, with scarlet 
redness of the latter, with the prodromal nausea and vomiting, 
followed by a scarlet rash, and that by desquamation, and then, 
by symptoms of acute nephritis, and a more perfect picture of 
scarlatina simplex it would be difficult to imagine. 

"No wonder that Hahnemann, almost at the very onset of his 
investigations into homoeopathy, reached the conclusion that in 
Belladonna we have a true prophylactic to scarlet fever" (Allen's 
lecture). 

I think it safe to say that all physicians of the three schools of 
medicine and the majority of laymen, have heard of the preven- 
tive powers of Belladonna against scarlet fever, as the result of 
the success obtained by Hahnemann and his immediate followers. 
At the present time its employment is by no means universal even 
in our own school, the excuse made for not using it being, that 
notwithstanding it has been tried in all strengths, from the tincture 
up. no better results have been obtained than when it was not 
given. 

I was fortunate in obtaining from Dr. St. Clair Smith a state- 
ment of his success with it, although it was used under the most 
adverse circumstances, and he sums the matter up in these words : 
"The point that I wish to bring forward is this, that the 30th of 
Belladonna prepared as Hahnemann directed, 1 drop of one potency 
succussed with 99 drops of alcohol to make the next potency, will 
each and every time, act as a prophylactic against scarlet fever. " 

xAs a student, I heard Prof. Smith make a similar statement 
and immediately made my own 30th potenc}', which I have used 
since whenever the opportunity presented. I give it every two 



BENZOIC ACID. 311 

hours for the first day then t.i.d., and continue it at that rate until 
two weeks after the date of the last exposure to the disease shall 
have passed. 

If the person taking the preventive does not come down with 
the disease within three days I consider that they have been 
rendered immune, and I have never seen a secondary case of 
scarlet fever, no matter to what extent nor for how long the ex- 
posure was continued, where this Belladonna 30th was being taken 
as a prophylactic. 

I use Belladonna 3rd, 6th, 30th. 

BENZOIC ACID 

Benzoic acid is obtained from the resin, benzoin, by distillation 
and our tincture represents in drug power the 1st. 

Benzoic acid was first proved by and under the direction of Dr. 
Jeanes, of Philadelphia, the report being published by the Ameri- 
can Institute of Homoeopathy in its first volume of transactions 
in 1846, although the original proving was made several years 
earlier. 

Dr. Jeanes had the honor of having his book, The Homoeopathic 
Practice of Medicine, the first American Homoeopathic book to 
be translated into German. It was translated in 1847. Benzoic 
acid produces symptoms of uric-acid diathesis; pains in the joints 
and tendons ; great change in the quality of the urine. If taken in 
quantity, it will cause hippuric acid to appear in the urine; this 
we know is found in horse's urine and is what gives to it that 
strong, offensive odor. 

It is this strong, offensive odor of the urine, smelling like horse's 
urine (200), that is the most prominent symptom of the remedy, 
and it will be found in most all conditions where Benzoic acid is 
indicated. (We, of course, refer to urine as freshly voided, or at 
least before decomposition has set in.) 

The diarrhoea for which we prescribe Benzoic acid is more fre- 
quently found in infants and is very offensive; the stools are 
copious, light-colored, looking like dirty soap-suds, and have the 
same strong smelling, pungent odor so characteristic of the urine. 

With the strong, repulsive smelling urine, which is dark or 



312 MATERIA MEDICA. 

brown in color, Benzoic acid is of value in asthma (19), kidney 
colic and calculi (124), cystitis, nocturnal enuresis (198) and 
rheumatism and gout (84). 

In rheumatism and gout we have swelling of the joints and 
gouty deposits (84) in fingers (161), wrists and great toe, which 
are very painful. 

I have used Benzoic acid 1st. 

BERBERIS VULGARIS 

Barberry — Pipperidge Bush. 

This shrub is indigenous to Great Britain, but is now thoro uglily 
naturalized here, especially in the Eastern States. 

It is a well-known medicine to the ancients, who steeped it in 
beer and gave it to patients suffering from jaundice. 

In more modern times, barberry bark and cider was used in all 
forms of abdominal inflammation, especially when accompanied 
by hepatic derangement and jaundice, but in 1882 it was dismissed 
from the U. S. Phar. (from Millspaugh). 

The berberis flower, which is yellow and ill-smelling, produces 
red elongated berries of pleasant acid flavor. The fresh bark of 
the root, which is used to prepare our tincture, has an extremely 
bitter taste. 

Berberis was first proved by Dr. Hesse, of Germany, who publish- 
ed his report in 1834, and Allen says: "The most numerous and 
decided effects are the shooting pains in almost every part of the 
body. The pains in the region of the kidneys are most marked 
and have been frequently verified clinically. It also exerts a 
marked action on the liver." 

Berberis is of value in various forms of liver troubles, with 
sticking pains, or stitches, under the border of the false ribs on the 
r. side. These pains are apt "to come on suddenly, are severe and 
may cause the patient to hold his breath" (Lilienthal), but they 
are not relieved by pressure. 

Associated with these pains we have many of the symptoms 
classed under the general term of indigestion, and noticed especi- 
ally after eating (177), including, eructations, without bad taste 



BERBERIS VULGARIS. 313 

or smell, salivation (163), heartburn (114) and even vomiting of 
food. 

In so-called bilious colic and in colic from gall-stones (82), Ber- 
beris is frequently indicated. The pains are confined to a small 
spot, are spasmodic, coming on so suddenly as to cause the patient 
to bend over, but rather aggravated by pressure, and are associated 
with jaundice (82). 

Diarrhoea is apt to be an accompaniment of liver troubles call- 
ing for Berberis, the stools clay-colored (58) and painless, but 
with burning (61) and smarting in anus, especially perhaps, 
after stool (61), and with pains extending from liver across ab- 
domen and around back. 

In the urine we find a copious sediment of uric acid (123) and 
there are cutting pains in the bladder and urethra, before, during, 
and after micturition (194). 

The characteristic pain of Berberis, the symptom which every- 
body remembers so well that we forget that other remedies have a 
similar one, is a pain which starts in, or in the region of, one or 
both kidneys, travels along the ureter into the bladder and thence 
through the urethra (125), with burning in the bladder and ureth- 
ra. This pain is frequently found in renal colic and from the pas- 
sage of calculi (123). 

In the male Berberis is of great value in neuralgia of the sper- 
matic cords (171) and testicles (188), giving in many instances 
almost instant relief. 

In the female it is to be thought of in dysmenorrhcea, with 
scanty menstruation and pains radiating into the abdomen and 
down the thighs (139). 

The pathogenetic symptoms give many pains in the lumbar 
region, such as sticking in region of kidneys, which extends around 
to the abdomen or down to the region of the hips ; pain in small of 
back, as if bruised or crushed, with stiffness, making it difficult 
to rise from a seat, so that the hand must assist in rising ; pain in 
small of back, at times extending into posterior part of pelvis or 
to thighs, with stiffness and lameness. 

These symptoms lead us to use Berberis in lumbago, Allen call- 
ing it "one of our most valuable remedies," when the pains ex- 



Mil; 



314 MATERIA MEDICA. 

tend from the back around the body and down the thighs (128) r 
associated with red and mucous sediment in the urine. 

Allen speaks of Berberis in neuralgia under the finger-nails, with 
swelling of the finger joints. 

I use Berberis in the tincture. 

BISMUTH 

Bismuth Subnitrate. 

Hughes in his Pharmacodynamics, says: "Hahnemann called 
his preparation," Bismuth, "an oxide, and under this name its 
symptoms appear in Allen's Encyclopaedia. But I think that 
if you read his directions for making it you will agree with me 
that the resulting salt is identical with that which chemists now 
style the subnitrate, and which is the Bismuth of ordinary prac- 
tice." 

The field for the employment of Bismuth is narrow and its " chief 
action is manifested in the alimentary canal, causing irritation 
and catarrhal inflammation" (Allen). 

Hale still further restricts it by saying that its action is "con- 
fined to the nerves of the stomach and those organs in special 
sympathy with it." 

If its sphere is limited it is, nevertheless, an important remedy 
when indicated and there is no excuse for the statement made by 
Hale that "the great majority of our school rarely use it; only 
those who have been allopaths, or have gained some knowledge 
of its value from allopathic text-books. 

The old school use preparations of Bismuth as "harmless cos- 
metics" (Ringer) and internally they also seem to look upon it as 
harmless, for they assert that they can give "from 15 to 60 grains 
at a dose without producing any recognized ill effects" (Bartholow). 

A peculiarity of the two schools of medicine in reference to 
drug action is, that allopaths brag about how much they can give 
without poisoning the patient, while homoeopaths boast as to how 
little they can give and effect a cure. 

Bismuth is useful for violent neuralgic headaches, which alter- 
nate with, "or are attended by gastralgia, or when the headache 



BORAX. 315 

comes on immediately after eating (95) and is relieved by vomit- 
ing of the food" (Hale). These pains in the headache of Bismuth, 
involve the face (100) and teeth, with a feeling as if the parts were 
being torn by pincers (79), and relief from cold or cold applica- 
tions (92). 

Bismuth is of great value in gastric catarrh (178) and gastralgia, 
with, as a marked indication for the remedy, severe pain which 
extends from the stomach, through the body to the spine, or it 
goes from before backward (180). Another prominent indication 
for the remedy in gastralgia, is relief while taking cold drinks (174), 
yet when the stomach becomes full there is vomiting of enormous 
quantities. 

There are usually free eructations and vomiting of food and of 
mucus. 

The gastric pains are crampy or burning (178), with aggrava- 
tion from food, which lays like a hard lump or load in the stomach 
(179), and Bismuth often gives temporary relief during the pro- 
gress of scirrhus (178) when accompanied by the burning pains. 

It is of importance in painless, watery diarrhoea, with thirst 
and with great prostration after each movement (58), although 
"the surface is warm" (Bell), and in cholera infantum, with 
vomiting, especially of water, and a thickly-coated, white tongue 
(192). 

I use Bismuth 3rd. 

BORAX 

Sodium Tetraborate — Na2B4O7-|-10H2O 

(Boracic, or Boric acid — H3BO3.) 

"Although by constitution Borax is an acid salt it has an alka- 
line reaction to test-paper" as the sodium is "not fully neutralized 
by the boracic acid" (Fowne's Chemistry). 

Borax is soluble in less water than is boracic acid (bornx 15-20 
parts; boracic acid 25 parts cold water) and is prepared for us 
either in dilution or trituration. 

For our dilution, one part of pure Borax is dissolved in ninety- 
nine parts of distilled water to make the 1st; one part of this and 
ninety-nine parts of dilute alcohol to make the 2nd ; and one part of 



316 MATERIA MEDICA. 

this and ninety-nine parts of alcohol 87% to make the 3d, or the 
lowest dilution that will not dissolve our pellets. 

For our trituration, one part of pure Borax is triturated with 
ninety-nine parts of sugar of milk to make the 1st or lowest officin- 
al trituration of Borax. 

Hahnemann, who contributed to the symptoms of Borax, tells 
us that "in household practice it has been for a long time empiri- 
cally used in solution against the aphthae of children" and at the 
present time amongst the old school " Borax is seldom used ex- 
cept as a lotion in aphthae and other oral affections" (Dunglinson's 
Dictionary) . 

We, as homoeopaths, dread to see the indiscriminate use of 
Borax, as it will not only make bad worse, for all cases of aphthae 
do not call for the remedy, but it will cause trouble where none 
previously existed, for we know from the provings that its action 
on mucous membranes is marked by aphthous ulceration. 

Borax is a valuable remedy for aphthous sore mouth (140), 
aphthous stomatitis or thrush. The aphthae are seen on the in- 
side of the cheeks, on the tongue and in the fauces; the ulcers 
bleed easily on nursing or on touch, the mouth is hot and tender 
and the child cries on nursing. Associated with this we have 
thirst and vomiting, but the characteristic indication for Borax 
in aphthous stomatitis is that the mucous membrane looks shriv- 
elled as if burnt. 

With the aphthae of Borax and especially in nursing infants, we 
are apt to have diarrhoea. The stools are mucous, light yellow 
or green (59), usually preceded by colic and frequently associated 
with hot and smarting urine ; the child screams before urinating. 

The urine is of a strong, pungent odor and there is frequent urg- 
ing, but the child dreads, or is afraid to pass it and will retain it 
as long as possible and cries or may almost have convulsions when 
the necessity to urinate is felt. 

Borax has a peculiar nervous phenomenon that is very charac- 
teristic and unlike that of any other remedy and that is the fear or 
dread of any downward motion. 

In older people it may be noticed in the dread of walking or 
driving down a steep hill. One of the symptoms reads, -"very 



BORAX. 317 

timid in driving down a mountain; quite at variance with his cus- 
tomary bearing; he felt as if it would take his breath away" (Chr. 
Dis.). 

In young children, however, where this condition is more fre- 
quently seen, there is additional anxiety and nervousness; they 
are very easily startled by any sudden noise; the slamming of a 
door or even the rustle of a paper or dress will cause the child to 
start, scream and seem badly frightened. 

Any downward motion is especially distressing and if the child 
is rocked, carried down stairs or laid down in bed, it will, even if 
asleep at the time, start and throw up its hands as if afraid of fall- 
ing. 

During sleep, the child often cries out and anxiously grasps 
its mother, as if frightened by a dream. 

The hair is affected in Borax, and turns on itself so, that on the 
head becomes tangled or matted (88), and on the lid the eye- 
lashes irritate the cornea. In inflammation of the edges of the 
eyelids, when they turn inward, entropium, so that the lids rub 
against the eyeball, Borax may effect a cure if the trouble is not 
of long standing. 

Borax is to be thought of in erysipelas (68) of the face, with 
a feeling of a cobweb or as if the white of an egg had dried on the 
face (165). 

In the female sexual organs the menses may be too early and 
too profuse (135), but preceded and followed by leucorrhcea (136). 
The leucorrhcea is acrid (126), feels warm as it passes and is white 
and albuminous, like the white of an egg (126). 

It is a remedy to be thought of for dysmenorrhcea, with ex- 
treme pain during the flow, and especially for membranous 
dysmenorrhcea (138). It has proved useful for chronic vaginitis 
and metritis. 

It is to be thought of in pleurodynia (120) or in true pleurisy 
in the upper part of the r. chest, with stitches (30) on breath- 
ing or coughing, and with expectoration of a mouldy taste and 
smell. 

Acetic acid is incompatible with Borax. 

I use Borax 3rd. 



318 MATERIA MEDICA. 

BOVISTA 

LYCOPERDON BOVISTA PUFFBALL. 

(Bovista, buff en or puff en, puff -f fist, to break wind; ly coper don 
— Amo£, lukoz, wolf + 7re/oSo> ; per do, I break wind.) 

Bovista, the common European puffball, was first proved by 
Hartlaub, one of Hahnemann's fellow-p rovers, in 1828, and the 
entire fungus is used to prepare our tincture. 

It is more or less strange that the dried puffball has been used 
to arrest haemorrhage, as its most marked action seems to be on 
the circulation predisposing to haemorrhages. 

T \Ve find in Bovista bleeding from the nose in the morning (142) 
or on blowing the nose, and from the gums on sucking them (84). 
Menstruation is too early and too profuse (135), profuse in the 
morning and scanty during the day, or the flow is mostly at night 
(134) and perhaps with small amounts of blood between the 
periods (136). 

Leucorrhoea follows the menses (126), profuse (126), acrid (126) 
and corrosive, with discharge only at night (126). 

Bovista is one of the remedies having diarrhoea before and 
during menstruation (138). 

It is of value for metrorrhagia, the blood dark (136) and flow- 
ing only at night (134), or early in the morning, starting perhaps 
from any little overexertion between the menses, and with intol- 
erance of anything tight around the body (12). 

It has cured cysts of the ovary (147) or broad ligament (127), 
one case cited by Hering having been tapped twice of from one to 
six pints of fluid before the remedy was given. 

Bovista is to be thought of for urticaria (201) and eczema, with 
itching worse in the morning, during warm weather or on getting 
warm (122) and "from washing" (Dearborn), and moist eczema, 
with formation of thick crusts (66). In reference to the latter 
Dearborn says, the itching "is not relieved by scratching; hence 
the affected part may be torn or rubbed until it is raw and oozing, 
in the vain effort to get relief. This artificial irritation leads to 
the formation of abundant crusts not to be ascribed to the drug. " 

I use Bovista in the tincture. 



BROMIUM. 319 

BROMIUM 

Bromine. 

Bromine, like Iodine, does not exist in nature in a free state. It 
is found in the waters of many salt springs as well as in sea-water. 
It is found, together with Iodine, in the ash of sea-weed and in 
sponges. 

Bromine has a powerful affinity for hydrogen, and its solutions 
are decomposed by sunlight, hydrogen bromide being formed. 

For our use it is prepared with distilled water up to the 2nd, 
then dilute alcohol for the 3rd, and the ordinary 87% alcohol for 
all higher potencies. If used below the 6th it should be freshly 
prepared. Probably the 6th and surely the 30th is stable and 
good until used. 

While first proved, perhaps, by others, it is to Hering and his 
fellow-provers that most of our knowledge of this remedy is due. 
It seems to be especially useful for those with light hair (88) and 
blue eyes {Iodine dark hair and eyes) ; for those of a scrofulous 
diathesis, with enlarged and suppurating glands, especially the 
parotid. 

It is useful in diphtheria with enlarged parotids, which finally 
suppurate, and especially when the disease invades the larynx 
and trachea. 

The effects of Bromine upon the larynx and trachea furnish the 
most useful guides to its use in disease. Whoever has inhaled the 
fumes of Bromine will remember the sudden spasm or contraction 
of the throat that it causes and the arrest of the inhalation; one 
symptom reading, " feeling as if the pit of the throat were pressed 
against the trachea," and another, "sudden paroxysm of suffoca- 
tion on swallowing." These symptoms are prominent ones when 
calling for the remedy in croup (52), and to show its position or 
place in this disease we will quote directly from the Handbook: 

"In croup Brom. is rarely indicated in the early stage; but when 
the febrile symptoms have subsided, the patient is weak, perspir- 
ing, has a hard, tight cough, which is spasmodic, with suffocative 
attacks and sometimes rattling of mucus in the larynx; the ele- 
ment of spasm generally indicates the drug. It follows well 
after Iod." 



320 MATERIA MEDICA. 

You will recall that it is only recently that we knew that diph- 
theria and membranous croup are one and the same disease, the 
seat of the trouble alone furnishing the name. As illustrative of 
a homoeopath's ability to prescribe accurately in a given case even 
if a diagnosis is not or cannot be made, Hering, who died in 1880, 
says: "With apparent great sagacity one of our best authors 
says: 'Bromine could not be a remedy in diphtheria and also in 
croup, as diphtheria and croup are two diseases entirely different 
in their nature and character; a chief croup remedy cannot at the 
same time be a great diphtheritic remedy, because a drug has not 
only to cover the symptoms, but must likewise correspond to the 
character of the disease.'" Hering's comment is: "We have 
nothing to do with the disease, only with the sick and the charac- 
teristics of each case." 

Bromine is of value in spasmodic croup, starting up as if choked, 
better drinking (40), Lilienthal saying, "better from warm 
drinks, every inspiration provokes cough" (41). 

It is to be thought of in asthma (19) with suffocative attacks, 
it seems as if the breathing were hindered by spasmodic constric- 
tion, and it is said to be of benefit for asthma that is better at sea. 

Bromine is recommended for membranous dysmenorrhoea (138), 
with spasmodic uterine contractions, and in dysmenorrhoea with 
loud emissions of gas from the vagina (205). 

It is to be thought of in chronic inflammation of the ovaries 
(148), the 1. by preference affected (147). 

I use Bromine 6th. 

BRYONIA ALBA 

White Bryonia — Wild Hops. 

"Our entire knowledge," says Dunham, "of the action of Bry- 
onia on the healthy human subject is derived from the proving by 
Hahnemann and six of his pupils, and from the Austrian prov- 
ings." 

While Bryonia is hardly considered by the old school authors of 
to-day (it has been excluded from their last pharmacopoeia, 1905), 
with homoeopaths it is a great and extremely important remedy. 



BRYONIA ALBA. 321 

If you will question the first ten or the first hundred physicians 
of our school that you happen to meet, as to the half-dozen reme- 
dies that they find the most frequent call for, I believe that you 
will find Bryonia on each and every list. 

To be so universally used upon "all sorts and conditions of 
men" it must have an extensive pathogenesis covering a large 
part of the human system, and all that we will attempt to do here 
will be to give a general picture of the remedy, along with some of 
its principal symptoms, and then let you, each clay of your medical 
life, learn new symptoms and new indications for its use. 

Bryonia causes inflammation of various organs, but it seems to 
have an especial affinity for the lungs and serous membranes. It 
produces pains that are cutting, knife-like or stabbing in charac- 
ter, and its marked peculiarity is not only a disinclination to make 
any effort but great aggravation of the pains from motion of any 
kind; even the moving of the eyes will aggravate the headache 
and any but the shallowest breathing will be arrested by the 
chest pains. 

Besides this aggravation, the patient is apt to be worse in the 
morning, and after eating. 

There is relief from rest, external heat, lying on the affected 
side, or binding the part up to keep it from moving. 

The seat of the Bryonia pains subsequently becomes sore and 
sensitive to touch. 

There is great thirst in Bryonia for long drinks and the patients 
usually prefer them cold. With fevers calling for this remedy 
there is more or less perspiration. 

Bryonia is especially suitable to the rheumatic diathesis; to 
persons with a bilious tendency, black hair and dark complexion. 

Mentally the patient is ill-humored and taciturn, while in deli- 
rium, as found in fevers especially, he talks about his daily busi- 
ness and has a desire to get out of bed so that he may attend to 
his work. 

Vertigo is a common accompaniment of the Bryonia condition 
and it is worse in the morning on rising up in, or from bed, or from 
a chair, with a feeling as if the head were turning in a circle. 

The headaches of Bryonia are severe, are all worse from motion 



322 MATERIA MEDICA. 

(96), from stooping (98) and from coughing (95). They are 
apt to begin in the morning on first opening the eyes or on 
rising, and moving the eyes will start or aggravate the pain (96). 
The headaches either begin in the forehead or occiput and are apt 
to finally become seated in the occiput (100). 

With every motion it seems as if the head would burst (104), 
and pressing with both hands against the forehead and temples, 
or binding the head up tightly relieves (92). 

It will help one when differentiating between this and other 
remedies having similar conditions of aggravation and ameliora- 
tion, to remember that the headaches of Bryonia are rarely neu- 
ralgic, but are usually associated with gastric disorders (97) or 
with inflammatory affections, and that thirst, coated tongue and 
bitter taste (186) are the usual accompaniments. 

In the eye Bryonia is to be thought of in " rheumatic iritis (74) 
caused by cold" (Hering), as well as in choroiditis and glaucoma, 
the eyeball sore and verj r painful to touch, the pains extending to 
the back of the head. 

In the nose we have epistaxis. the result of vicarious menstrua- 
tion (138). the bleeding occuring regularly every day, especially 
in the morning after rising. 

The lips mouth and throat are dry in Bryonia and the tongue, 
in fevers, is dry and rough, while in gastric disorders it has a heavy 
white or } r ellow coating. The prevailing taste is bitter (186) and 
as a rule the patient will not beat about the bush in describing the 
Bryonia taste, but will say bitter and stick to that one word. 
Thirst usually accompanies the Bryonia conditions and it is for 
large quantities of cold water. 

In gastric derangements, besides thirst, we have bitter taste, 
coated tongue, nausea and may be vomiting, and sensitiveness of 
the epigastric region to touch. 

It is useful in dyspepsia, worse from warm drinks (178) which 
are vomited, as well as in those cases where the food seems to lie 
like a lump or load in the stomach (179), with the resulting soreness. 
It is also to be thought of in gastric disorders, which recur in 
people who have been in the habit of taking mercury; and while 
Allen gives the following symptom as noticed in such people, I 



BRYONIA ALBA. 323 

have found it very frequently in those who are subject to attacks 
of so-called bilious headache, with the accompanying nausea and 
vomiting; the symptom reads that "the attacks are preceded by 
great hunger" and for a day or two the patient eats an amount 
and a variety that at other times he would be afraid to even think 
of. So frequently is this condition of great hunger followed by a 
bilious attack, that the patient's family attribute it to the injudi- 
cious eating and warn him to restrain his appetite if he would 
avoid "one of his spells." 

If Bryonia is taken at this time of increased hunger, it will often 
ward off an attack and then if the remedy is continued regularly, 
it will cure the condition as far as the patient's habits will allow. 

Bryonia is very useful in disorders of the liver, including inflam- 
mations, especially when associated with constipation, the stools 
large, hard (35) and dry, and with little or no inclination for a 
movement. In liver troubles we have sharp, knife-like pains, 
greatly worse from motion and better from heat, pressure and 
lying on the r. side (8). 

It is frequently indicated in peritonitis and appendicitis, with 
the sharp, cutting pains, aggravated by motion or breathing, and 
better from heat and when lying on the back with the thighs flexed. 
Do not forget that the parts affected become very sensitive (12) 
and sore to the touch and that notwithstanding the fever there is 
more or less perspiration, or at least moisture of the skin. 

In diarrhoea calling for Bryonia, the stool is dark and more or 
less offensive, "smelling like old cheese." It is brought on by 
hot weather (57), or whenever the weather suddenly becomes 
warmer. The diarrhoea is also caused by, or is worse from, cold 
drinks (57), or from eating fruit (57) or vegetables. It is a 
remedy to be thought of in diarrhoea due to suppressed eruptions 
or occurring during typhoid fever. 

The diarrhoea is worse in the morning and from motion (58). 
If they lie perfectly still in the morning when they waken they are 
all right, but let them move around or get up out of bed and they 
will have to suspend dressing until a more convenient season. 

In suppression of the menses we can think of Bryonia either with 
the accompanying gastric symptoms, or with vicarious menstrua- 
22 



324 MATERIA MEDICA. 

tion (138). It is useful in inflammation of the ovaries, with sore- 
ness to the touch (148), and in the early stage of puerperal fever 
(155). 

It is a remedy frequently called for in mastitis (22), the breasts 
being swollen and tender, and with characteristic pains, better 
from heat and from moderately tight bandaging. 

The cough of Bryonia is dry and causes pain in the trachea; it 
causes severe headache (51), with grasping of the head with both 
hands, or it causes stitches in the chest (49), with necessity to 
hold the chest while coughing (49). We may have a cough that 
seems to come from low down in the chest, or as though it started 
from the stomach (44), and if the cough has lasted long enough, 
we find that the abdominal muscles have become sore from the 
strain of coughing. The cough is worse from motion, after eating 
(41) or drinking (41) and on coming into a warm room from the 
outside air (41) ; it is better from heat (40), or after being in a 
warm room. 

It is difficult to say, when speaking of a remedy like Bryonia, 
in what particular class of cases its chief renown lies, but it is 
safe to say that many a life has been saved by means of this drug 
in the treatment of croupous pneumonia. 

It is probably the most frequently indicated remedy in pneu- 
monia that we have and it is especially useful in the early stage 
(150), it following directly after the Aeon, condition has passed; 
when the restlessness has been superseded by the quiet, afraid-to- 
move-for-f ear-it- will-hurt stage; when the dry skin has changed 
to a moist one, or perhaps a decided perspiration although the 
fever is just as high; when the pains are sharp and cutting, with 
relief from lying on the affected side. 

As in pneumonia, so it is in pleurisy (150), whether alone or 
complicating pneumonia, and I doubt if all our remedies put to- 
gether are as frequently called for as is Bryonia. 

When prescribing for a disease I like to look upon it as on a per- 
son who speaks a language different from my native tongue and 
who finds himself in trouble in my own country. Now the more 
that I know of disease language, including its idioms and slang 
terms, the easier it will be for me to interpret any peculiar expres- 



BRYONIA ALBA. 325 

sions that it may make use of, and if in addition I have had the 
advantage of travel in its country, that is, have known the patient 
in his home life and in health, the greater will be the probability 
of my giving the relief that is asked for. 

It will not be difficult to understand pleurisy when it wants 
Bryonia and if it cannot speak it will make signs. 

There will be the fever, with the moist skin and the pronounced 
thirst; the breathing will be shallow on account of the sharp, 
knife-like pains that cut short any attempt to take a deep inspira- 
tion and the patient will not only press with the hands on the 
affected side, but will also lie on that side, so as to prevent, as 
much as possible, any motion between the two pleural surfaces. 
The patient will also find that heat will give great relief. Bry- 
onia may prove useful later in the disease, with pleuritic exuda- 
tions (150), provided the sharp pains continue. 

In pericarditis and endocarditis it is frequently called for, with 
the same train of symptoms as found in other inflammatory con- 
ditions. 

Bryonia is useful in lumbago, but it is especially in articular 
rheumatism that you will find it indicated. The larger joints 
(161) are particularly apt to be affected and while the pains may 
shift, or jump from one place to another, leaving the first free from 
pain, they are more likely to travel, or to involve additional joints, 
with more or less pain remaining in the part first affected. We 
have swelling, heat, and shining redness of the joint, with relief 
from heat or hot applications and great aggravation of the pains 
from even the slightest motion. 

Once more let me impress upon you, that in all forms of rheuma- 
tism, acute, chronic, muscular or articular, profuse perspiration 
would be an additional indication for Bryonia. 

It is a remedy very useful in fevers and febrile conditions which 
are the accompaniment of inflammatory processes in various 
tissues and organs. 

It will be found of value in scarlet fever (130) and especially so 
in measles (130), when the eruption either does not develop or 
shows a tendency to recede, as well as in meningitis from sup- 
pressed eruptions. 



326 MATERIA MEDICA. 

In typhoid fever you will find frequent use for it, especially in 
the beginning and early stages of the disease, with the severe head- 
ache and vertigo, more or less delirium usually mild in character, 
thirst and abdominal tenderness. The non-restless type of ty- 
phoid (193). 

In intermittent fever, while there is no particular time that is 
characteristic for the onset of the paroxysm, we would have great 
thirst during the chill (121) and additional thirst during the fever 
and a general apathetic condition throughout the entire paroxysm. 
We may have painful cough during the chill and fever (H. C. 
Allen) and during the fever we would be apt to have more or less 
delirium, with talking of his daily work, or of her household affairs, 

The sweating stage would be pronounced and probably of sour 
perspiration. 

The following remedies are, to a degree, antidotal to Bryonia: 
Camph., Cham., Coff., Rhus tox. 

I use Bryonia lx. 

BUFO 

Toad. 

(Bufo, a toad.) 

First proved by Dr. Carl Hencke, of Germany, in 1832, who used 
what he called the tincture; many of our symptoms, however, 
are from other sources, such as the effects of a bite, of venom ap- 
plied to the skin, or the effects of a toad jumping into the mouth 
and entering the stomach during sleep. 

Hering's name, Bufones, toads, would seem to be the best, as 
he says: "The pro vers have used about half a dozen different 
species and nearly every one proved a different preparation. " 
He also adds: "The cures are of the greatest importance and can- 
not be doubted in the least, not even by such who make profes- 
sion of so-called skepticism." 

Allen says: "Our knowledge of this substance is too meagre 
and the symptomatology too indefinite to enable one to form con- 
clusions concerning its properties." 

It seems to have been used principally for epilepsy, associated 



CACTUS. 327 

with livid face and profuse sweat, Hering speaking of one case 
where " fifty paroxysms occurred during fifteen hours/' 

The attacks come on at the menstrual periods (67) or are due to 
sexual excitement (66). 

CACTUS 

Cactus Grandiflorus — Night Blooming Cereus. 

(Cactus — Kciktos, kaktos, a prickly plant; Cereus, a wax candle.) 

Cactus was first proved by Dr. Rubini of Italy, the report being 
published in 1864. 

Cactus is particularly a " heart remedy," most of the symptoms 
being the outcome of cardiac disturbance, and from its principal 
symptom "it seems to have an action on the circular fibres of the 
muscular tissue of the heart, while Digit, acts on all the muscular 
fibres alike" (Hale). 

In all the heart conditions we have either violent palpitation 
(112), or what is considered as more characteristic of the remedy, 
a sensation of constriction around the heart, as if squeezed by an 
iron band (113) or hand that was growing tighter and tighter, 
preventing the normal action of the heart, and associated with 
anxiety, suffocation and cold sweat (114). 

The sensation of constriction is found frequently, under Cactus, 
in other parts of the body, as in the throat, oesophagus, chest, 
abdomen, ovaries and uterine region and neck of bladder, but 
nowhere is it as pronounced as in the chest and heart. In the 
chest the symptoms read : difficult breathing, with oppression and 
uneasiness as if the chest were constricted by an iron band (113); 
sensation in middle of sternum as if bound with iron pincers ; con- 
striction as from a tight cord around false ribs. Hering says, the 
"whole body feels as if caged, each wire being twisted tighter and 
tighter." 

Cactus is useful in periodical (99) neuralgic or congestive head- 
aches, pulsating and throbbing (103), worse on the r. side or on 
the vertex, and in threatening apoplexy (18). It is one of the 
remedies that has a headache as from a weight or pressure (103), 
and worse from noise or strong light (95). 



328 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Dyspnoea is pronounced, in the chest conditions calling for 
Cactus, whether we have bronchitis or haemoptysis, and due to 
the sensation of constriction. 

In the heart we often have pricking pain and sticking, and 
either the sensation of constriction, or violent beating, or both. 
The palpitation (111) is worse from walking, from the least excite- 
ment, and from lying on the 1. side (111). 

Cactus is useful in angina pectoris (107), in acute endocarditis 
and pericarditis and in hypertrophy of the heart (110); it is also 
of value in cardiac dropsy, with cedematous extremities (63), 
labored breathing and inability to lie down (107), but in all these 
conditions your attention will probably be first directed to the 
remedy by the sensation of constriction about the heart. 

Many of the symptoms in other parts of the body and calling 
for Cactus seem to be due to, or have reference to some heart con- 
dition or lesion; thus we have nosebleed and dyspepsia (111), 
with hard, violent action of the heart and sensation of constriction. 

There is dysmenorrhcea, with heart symptoms, the menstrual 
flow ceasing on lying down (134). 

We have haemorrhages from the lungs (27), with oppressed 
respiration and violent action of the heart, and haemorrhages from 
the bladder or rectum, with heart symptoms, especially in malarial 
fever. 

While the intermittent fever case requiring Cactus is seldom seen, 
the malarial feature is marked and periodicity is a prominent 
condition. The paroxysms recur at the same hour, usually 11 
a. m. to 12 m., or 11 p. m., and are accompanied by haemorrhages, 
especially from the bladder or bowels. The cold stage is the most 
prominent (121) and the hands grow icy-cold and neither covering 
nor external heat relieves the chill. The paroxysms may be com- 
plete, i. e., with chill, fever and sweat, or incomplete, chill followed 
by fever and "no sweat" (Hering), or the chill may be followed 
by cold sweat. 

I use Cactus in the tincture. 



CALCAREA CARBONICA. 329 

CALGAREA AGETICA 

Calcarea acet. is one of the two lime salts proved by Hahnemann, 
who dissolved oyster shells in vinegar and evaporated this until he 
obtained a saturated solution. To this he added one-half its bulk 
of alcohol. This solution which we look upon as the first decimal, 
he says is seldom too strong for our use. 

Calcarea acet. combines to a great degree the characteristics of 
Calcarea and Acetic acid, the latter having as prominent features, 
profound anaemia and emaciation, feeble pulse and night-sweats. 
It has produced membranous laryngo-trachetis. 

Calcarea acet. is to be thought of especially in membranous 
exudations the result of inflammation of the various mucous mem- 
branes. 

Allen speaks of it for membranous dysmenorrhea (138) in 
women of a Calcarea habit and membranous bronchitis, citing 
the following case : " A most brilliant cure was made of an obstinate 
membranous bronchitis, which for months had resisted all other 
treatment; the paroxysms recurred every two or three weeks and 
each time it seemed as if the patient would die, until extensive 
casts of the membrane of the bronchi were expectorated." 

Profuse sweat, especially in the morning, is found under Calcarea 
acet. 

CALCAREA CARBONICA 

Lime enters very largely into the composition of the solid in- 
gredients of the body and to a less extent into the fluid, there 
being six pounds, more or less, of lime in the bones, the greater 
proportion being in the form of the phosphate. 

Hahnemann, who first proved Calcarea carb., directed that it 
be prepared from the inner, snow-white portion of oyster shells, 
the middle layers being selected so that they might be as free as 
possible from extraneous substances, as well as to have a prepara- 
tion of uniform composition and one easily duplicated whenever 
it became necessary to prepare a new supply. 

Hahnemann says, in reference to the preparation of this and 
similar remedies, "I have endeavored to secure the medicinal 



330 MATERIA MEDICA. 

material for homoeopathic use, wherever practicable, in the most 
simple and natural manner, and to give directions of this kind; so 
that every physician, wherever he may be, may secure the same 
substance. For this purpose, which was to me most important, I 
had to avoid as far as possible all directions, by means of costly 
apparatus, to secure the absolute chemical purity of the medicinal 
substances used" (Chr. Dis. under Kali c). 

Our remedy is not a pure calcium carbonate and for that reason 
Hering preferred to call it Calcarea ostrearum and you will find it 
so mentioned in some books; it is, however, usually referred to as 
Calcarea carb. 

Calcarea is a general tissue remedy, or as Dr. von Grauvogl 
happily speaks of it, a " nutrition remedy." 

Calcarea carb. produces, when taken in excess, a cachectic or 
depraved state, which may lead to the development of various 
chronic disorders. The functions of various organs are disturbed, 
but the lymphatics are most prominently affected, with the result- 
ing enlargement of the glands. 

The Calcarea patient, the term used in referring to the type of 
person calling for Calcarea carb., as the various acids in combi- 
nation with lime have their own individual markings, the Cal- 
carea patient is light-haired (88), blue-eyed, big, fat and sluggish, 
or as is better expressed, fair, fat and flabby. It is suited to cases 
in which there is defective mental and physical growth, is there- 
fore a very necessary remedy in infancy and childhood, and is 
adapted to various phases of scrofula and marasmus (129). 

The Calcarea carb. child or infant is fat and apathetic, with 
tardy development of bony tissues. The head is disproportionate- 
ly large and the child is subject to hydrocephalus (119). The 
bones of the head do not develop well and the fontanelles remain 
open too long (82). The head sweats profusely while sleeping 
(185) and the hair and pillow become wet, and the child catches 
cold in consequence (5). The feet are inclined to be cold (71) 
and clammy; in older children the stockings are always damp (185). 

If the head is out of proportion, the abdomen is more so (11) 
and the child looks a great deal like the pictures of those fed on 
artificial foods, all fat and no stamina. The intellect is dull, the 
memory weak and they are inclined to be obstinate. 



CALCAREA CARBONICA. 331 

Eczema of the scalp is common, with thick crusts (66) which 
are offensive to sight and to smell, the eruption inclined to extend 
downward over the face. The child is subject to blepharitis and 
scrofulous inflammations of the cornea (76) with profuse discharge, 
and to otorrhoea, with muco-purulent discharge (63). The glands 
of the neck are swollen and hard and yield but slowly to the 
remedy. The teeth appear late and decay early (186). We 
may have curvature of the spine (152) and of the tibia and the 
child is weak and backward in learning to walk (208). 

In rachitis and marasmus (129) Calcarea carb. is of great value; 
there is a general condition of mal-nutrition, although the appe- 
tite is great (119), profuse sweats and profuse discharges generally, 
and cold extremities (71). The abdomen is noticeably large and 
protruding, pot-bellied (11), with enlargement of the mesenteric 
glands (83). There is general swelling of the inguinal and cervi- 
cal glands (83), which have a tendency to break down, leaving 
fistulous openings difficult to heal. These children are subject 
to diarrhoea and cholera infantum. 

Milk disagrees with them (6) and it is vomited sour (178) 
and curdled, and while there may be ravenous hunger (119) food 
does not nourish. The stools are undigested (60) and sour (59), 
sometimes fetid (59), but as Bell says: "In selecting Calcarea c, 
the stool is of less importance than the person and the concomi- 
tant symptoms. " 

The child is older and you are sent for and told that it does not 
thrive. It may have spasms and you fear epilepsy (66) and 
Calcarea carb. is valuable for the cachexia which leads to the devel- 
opment of epileptiform spasms. 

It may have chronic dyspepsia, with thirst, repugnance to hot 
or warm foods (177), acid fermentation (178), sour risings and 
longing for eggs (9); or, with ravenous and unnatural hunger 
(119) and longing for all sorts of indigestible things, such as coal 
(9), chalk, slate-pencils, etc., and an " aversion to meat" (Her- 
ing). 

It may be that you are called because the young patient has a 
chronic cough that is dry at night and with free expectoration in 
the morning (45); in addition the patient perspires easily (185) 



332 MATERIA MEDICA. 

and frequently has enormous appetite though the emaciation is 
rapid. In these conditions we are apt to find that the patient has 
been growing rapidly and, if a girl and old enough, that the 
menses are delayed (134) and that there is general anaemia (15), 
shortness of breath, easy palpitation (111), perhaps haemoptysis 
(27) and general soreness of the chest on touch or on breathing, 
and you fear that the patient will go rapidly into a decline unless 
something is done to avert it, and Calcarea carb. is frequently 
indicated in the general cachexia leading to phthisis (149). 

In all these conditions the previous history of the patient in 
reference to infancy and childhood, the long-open fontanelles, pro- 
fuse sweats, protruding abdomen, time of teething, walking, etc., 
will be invaluable aids in the selection of the remedy. 

Calcarea carb. has a general aggravation from dampness (9), 
and it is frequently indicated in complaints caused by or worse 
from dampness, or during damp weather, or from working in water 
(8). 

Mentally there is forgetfulness (133) and misplacing of words, 
Talcott saying that it is "probably one of the most effective 
remedies for this difficulty;" we may have melancholia, with fear 
of becoming insane (120), or that something dreadful is about to 
happen (132), but generally with a sluggish, apathetic condition 
as regards the immediate future. 

Calcarea carb. is of value for headache due to brain-fag (93) 
and is frequently called for in headaches of school children (95) ; 
a good indication is where after slight mental effort the head gets 
very hot (95). We have congestive headaches, with violent 
surging of blood to the head (103), which feels hot and heavy, 
but with pale face and cold feet (71). 

It is also to be thought of for chronic headache, with vertigo, 
the latter worse on suddenly turning the head (207) or on going up 
stairs or up a hill (207). 

Going up stairs or up hill bothers the Calcarea carb. patient in 
another way, for we find " respiration short, " or extreme dyspnoea, 
"on going up the slightest ascent" (24); here we might speak of 
the sweat of the remedy, which is profuse and brought out "on 
the slightest exertion." The word profuse is a good one to apply 



CALCAREA CARBONICA. 333 

to the discharges under Calcarea carb., including sweat, urine, 
diarrhoea, menstruation and leucorrhcea. 

There is easy fatigue of the eyes (72) from reading and writing, 
with aggravation "in damp weather" (Hering) and associated 
with cold and sweaty feet (185) ; and cold and clammy palms and 
feet are good indications pointing towards the remedy. It is to 
be thought of for inflamed eyes due to working in water and to 
superficial inflammations and ulcerations generally (77) ; but here 
as in most other states the build or cachexia of the patient must 
receive first consideration when prescribing the remedy. 

In the ear it is useful for deafness due to bathing, from getting 
cold and wet or from working in water, with singing and roaring 
in the ears (65), for otorrhoea, for polypi (65) which bleed easily, 
as well as for nasal polypi (145). 

Where there is a tendency to epistaxis in fat children, Calcarea 
carb. will probably be your remedy. 

It has toothache worse from cold air (187) or from cold drink 
(187) and it is useful in the toothache of pregnancy (188) with 
these conditions of aggravation. 

Calcarea carb. has proved of value in cases of true goitre or bron- 
chocele (83) and it is one of the remedies indicated for swelling 
of the submaxillary (83) and inguinal glands (82). 

The gastric condition we have already spoken of, with its acid 
dyspepsia (178) and sour eructations. 

The liver is enlarged and sore to touch, with intolerance of pres- 
sure or tight clothing (12) and associated with ascites (11) and 
jaundice (122). 

It is of undoubted value in gall-stone colic (123) and in renal 
colic, with terrible darting pain and profuse sweat, and in both 
conditions it has seemed to act as a prophylactic. 

There is in Calcarea carb. a decided tendency towards increase 
of abdominal fat (80). 

It is a remedy to be thought of for cystitis, with profuse mucus, 
in persons of a Calcarea habit, and for irritable bladder, with in- 
creased desire after urinating and at night, and much urine of a 
sour, disagreeable or fetid odor. Bell says: "The smell of the 
urine cannot be described, but once smelled it is never forgotten. " 
We are safe in calling it disagreeable. 



334 MATERIA MEDICA. 

In the male sexual sphere it is of value for hydrocele in children 
(119), while in the adult, especially in those whose thoughts or 
actions have dwelt too often on one subject or object (167), there 
is an increased desire, which Farrington speaks of as being "more 
mental than physical" (167), erections are slow and only by 
artificial stimulus, and the discharge premature (167), with the 
natural result, as given in the pathogenetic symptoms, of " discon- 
tent, anger and giving way of the knees." 

In the female sexual sphere Calcarea carb. is frequently indicated. 
In conditions other than those previously spoken of, too early and 
too profuse menstruation is the rule (135) and we have metror- 
rhagia at the climacteric (135). The flow is too prolonged (135), it 
seems difficult for it to stop, and "the least excitement brings on 
a return of profuse menstruation" (Dunham) (136). 

Hahnemann says: "If the catamenia usually come several days 
before the period and are excessive, Calcarea is frequently the in- 
dispensable curative, and the more so, the more abundant the flow; 
but if the menses always appear at the right period or later, even 
if the menses are profuse, Calcarea is yet but rarely useful" (Chr. 
Dis.). 

The leucorrhcea, which is apt to precede and follow the menses 
(126), is white like milk, profuse (126), often flowing in gushes 
(126), especially during micturition. Lilienthal speaks of Calcar- 
ea carb. as useful for leucorrhcea "of infants (126) and before 
puberty" (126). 

The milk of a nursing woman of the Calcarea habit is profuse, 
but thin and not sufficiently nourishing to satisfy the child ; it may 
even be disagreeable to the child who will refuse to nurse. 

In phthisis Calcarea carb. is useful even after the formation of 
cavities, with soreness of the walls of the chest, profuse, purulent, 
often sweetish expectoration (70) and haemorrhages (27); we 
have also, thirst, hectic fever, night-sweats (185), especially about 
the head, and cold hands and feet. 

In rheumatism it is to be thought of for all sorts of pains in 
joints and muscles the result of working or a long continuance in 
water (8), the pains worse from any change of weather to damp 
(9). Lilienthal says it "is the chronic Rhus, and often comes 
in where the latter fails." 



CALCAREA FLUORATA. 335 

It is useful in rheumatoid arthritis (161), especially of the 
fingers (161) and in chronic inflammations of the larger joints 
(161), including tuberculosis of the hip-joint (117) and of the knee 
(125). It is useful for gouty knees and for cramp in the bend of 
the knee, in the calves of the leg (52), soles of the feet and toes, 
especially when extending or stretching the leg. 

Calcarea carb. is to be thought of in insomnia from mental 
activity, "that long wakefulness which is the precursor to 
some diseases and the accompaniment of others" (Farrington), 
they start at every noise and fear they will go crazy if they do not 
get some sleep. Dreams are anxious and frightful, especially of 
falling. 

The intermittent fever calling for the remedy would be of a 
chronic form and caused by prolonged standing in cold water or 
handling of damp earth or clay. There is no especial hour that 
is characteristic for the onset of the paroxysm. 

I use Calcarea carb. 3rd and 30th. 

CALCAREA FLUORATA 

Fluor-Spar. 

While first proved by Dr. J. B. Bell of this country, in 1874, 
but few important symptoms were elicited and most of our 
knowledge concerning the remedy is based on clinical results. 

Calcarea fluor. is found in the surface of the bones and in the 
enamel of the teeth, especially, and it is one of the twelve remedies 
recommended by Schiissler as sufficient for all human ills. 

In the bones it is useful for exostosis (22) especially when due 
to injuries, and it has been used with success for bone-spavin of 
horses. In the teeth it is of value in cases of malnutrition (186), 
especially when the enamel is rough or deficient. 

Schiissler speaks of it as "the chief remedy in true croup 7 ' as 
well as "the chief remedy for varicose (205) or enlarged veins," 
and it is of value for swollen glands of stony hardness (82). 

Calcarea fluor. is of value in bursitis anywhere and in chronic 
synovitis, especially of the knee-joint (125). It might prove 
useful in felons, but probably in most cases where we would use 
it, Fluor, ac. would be of more benefit. 



336 MATERIA MEDICA. 

It is of undoubted value in mycosis tonsillaris. As there are 
but two remedies, as far as I know, that have cured this condition 
they deserve and will receive further consideration when we speak 
of the next and most important remedy. 

I use Calcarea fluor. 3rd. 

CALCAREA PHOSPHORIGA 

Calcarea Phosphate. 

Calcarea phos., which was first proved by Hering about 1837, is 
a tissue or nutrition remedy, having many of the general symptoms 
of Calcarea, particularly the aggravation from wet (9), tendency 
to perspiration and glandular enlargement (82) but with, as the 
most prominent differentiation, flat or sunken abdomen. 

There is a general lack of vital heat (114), exposure to a slight 
draft causes rheumatic stiffness of the neck (174) and " every cold 
causes pains in joints" (Hering). 

Calcarea phos. is a valuable remedy in diseases of mal-nutrition 
(129), especially with a predisposition to diseases of the bones and 
it is not only of use in promoting the development of bone in the 
young but it is valuable for the healing of bone and for non-union 
after fracture. 

In children the osseous system is badly developed and the fon- 
tanelles remain open for a long time (82), Farrington saying, 
Calcarea carb. "particularly the anterior;" Calcarea phos. "both 
anterior and posterior," and in cholera infantum we may have 
the "skull very thin, crackling like paper when pressed upon" 
(Hering.) 

The teeth are late in appearing and decay early (186) and in 
young people you will find Calcarea phos. of value where the teeth 
seem soft, with the constant formation of new cavities or enlarge- 
ment of old ones so that the filling loosens and drops out. (A 
dentist on being told of the excellent results obtained from a more 
or less continuous use of this remedy, said that he would advise 
anyone to have full life-insurance before making any such state- 
ment public.) 

The Calcarea phos. child develops slowly and is slow in learning 



CALCAREA PHOSPHORICA. 337 

to walk (208), has weakness of the spine and cannot sit up unless 
the back is supported, or has curvature of the spine, Pott's disease 
(152), lumbar abscesses and hip-joint disease (117). 

It is of value in chronic irritation of the brain, resembling hydro- 
cephalus, noticed in scrofulous children after exhausting diseases 
like cholera infantum (31). It is also of value in chronic hydro- 
cephalus (119), with large head, open fontanelles, emaciation, 
etc., with pain in the head extending down the spine. Dr. von 
Grauvogl advises that if a woman has given birth to scrofulous 
children, with tendency to hydrocephalus, or if you fear such result, 
she shall be given Calcarea phos. one day and Sulph. the next during 
her pregnancy, he saying that he gives Sulph. "as a nutritive 
remedy favoring the formation of tissues, while Calc. phosph. was 
to favor that of the bones." 

The headaches of Calcarea phos. are especially of the top of the 
head, perhaps with a sensation as if ice were melting there (90) 
and with aggravation from change of weather to damp (98). 
It is of value for headaches of school-girls (95) who are maturing 
and who are anaemic (93). 

Allen tells us that Calcarea phos. is valuable "for acne of girls 
(Calc. pic. more frequently for boys)" (14). Dearborn says: 
"The existence of a non-specific cachexia as the probable per- 
petuating cause of a skin eruption may be counted as a good 
indication for Calc. phos." 

(As Calcarea picrata is not given separate mention in the Hand- 
book we may say here that it is a good remedy to abort styes or 
to hasten their suppuration (183) and it is of especial value in 
furuncles of the ear (Dr. Houghton) (64). 

I use it low, 3rd, and it has a decidedly disagreeable taste.) 

In the throat Calcarea phos. is of great value for mycosis tonsil- 
laris (192). This condition you will sometimes hear miscalled 
chronic follicular tonsillitis. It is not often seen, but occurs in 
those who are anaemic and run-down. Old school authorities 
acknowledge their inability to cure it and declare that the whole 
treatment lies in the endeavor to build the patient up. Our 
knowledge of the value of Calcarea phos. here is purely the result of 
clinical experience and was first given to us by Dr. C. E. Beebe, 
of this city. 



338 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Calcarea phos. is to be thought of for dyspepsia, with pain after 
eating (177), or as Hering puts it, "at every attempt to eat, belly- 
ache;" at any rate the trouble arises soon after eating, and is 
better temporarily from eructations (175); when fasting the pain 
goes backward from the stomach to the spine (180), with diffi- 
culty in eructating and temporary relief from eating (174). There 
is heartburn (114) associated with acid eructations (178). 

There is noticed in Calcarea phos. and in cholera infantum 
especially, a longing for salted and smoked meats, bacon, ham, 
etc. (9), with the emaciation, sunken and flabby abdomen. 

The diarrhoea calling for the remedy, is found especially in 
scrofulous or rachitic children (129) and during teething; there 
is an aggravation from fruit (57) and from cider. The stools 
are green (59), undigested (60) and expelled forcibly (59), with 
much offensive flatus. 

Calcarea phos. may prove useful in nymphomania (146), with 
a voluptuous feeling as if all the parts were full of blood, heat of 
head and a sensation of weight on vertex (103) and with aggrava- 
tion before the menses. 

Menstruation is too early, i. e., too frequent, perhaps every two 
weeks, in young girls, with faint feeling in stomach (179) relieved 
by eating (174), while in older women menstruation is apt to be 
delayed (136). We may have labor-like pains during menstruation 
or pains like uterine spasms, after stool or micturition. 

The leucorrhcea, which looks like the whites of eggs (126), is 
not as profuse as under Calc. carb. It may be worse before men- 
struation or after it (126), increasing as the menstrual flow de- 
creases. 

It is of value in the exhaustion following prolonged nursing (146), 
with cough, weakness of voice and pain between the shoulders. 
Hering says, "child refuses breast, milk has a saltish taste." 

The cough for which we prescribe Calcarea phos. is usually a 
chronic one, even tubercular; it is short and dry and associated 
with dyspnoea and night-sweats (185). We also have a suffo- 
cative cough of children, perhaps with sensation of "contraction 
of chest" (Hering), the cough better when lying down (40), 
worse when sitting up. 



CAMPHOR. 339 

Calcarea phos. is useful in chronic rheumatism of muscles or 
joints, worse from change of weather to dampness (9), " par- 
ticularly when the snow melts and in east winds/' or for " rheuma- 
tism pertaining particularly to cold weather, getting well in 
spring and returning next autumn" (Hering). 

I use Calcarea phos. 3rd. 

CALENDULA 

Common Marigold. 

(Calendula — calendar, the first day of the month; from its pro- 
ducing flowers almost all the year round. Marigold — from Mary, 
i. e., the Virgin Mary + gold.) 

While Calendula was first proved by Frantz, one of Hahnemann's 
fellow-provers, it is a remedy that is seldom used internally. 

Its especial value is as a local application to external wounds 
and lacerations, with or without loss of substance, but with great 
soreness and pain. It promotes healing, lessens the amount of 
scar and prevents suppuration. 

It can be used locally in erysipelas and is of value for varicose 
(205) and other ulcers and especially for any breaks in the con- 
tinuity of the mucous membrane of the female sexual organs. 

"Of course," says Hughes, "there is nothing homoeopathic 
about Calendula, — its working, that is, is no instance (so far as we 
know) of the operation of the law of similars. Nevertheless, it is 
homoeopathists only — at least in England and America — who give 
their patients the benefit of this precious vulnerary." 

CAMPHOR 

Camphor is obtained from the Camphor-tree which is found 
especially in Japan, including Formosa. The root, trunk and 
branches of the tree are cut in small pieces and these, with a 
small amount of water, are heated and the vapor of camphor con- 
densed on straws placed at the top of the vessel. 

This is refined and one part of this gum camphor is dissolved in 
nine parts of 87% alcohol to make our tincture, which is, strictly 
speaking, the 1st. 
23 



340 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Camphor is very slightly soluble in water, 1-1500. The alco- 
holic solution combines with tepid water in the proportion of 1- 
400, but it must be well shaken to do so (from Mat. Med. Pura). 
If you put our tincture in cold water, the camphor will separate 
and appear as flakes. This will not harm it as a medicine, but it 
will be remarked upon by your patient. 

Camphor Rubini, which is sometimes referred to in our liter- 
ature, is so-called after the Italian physician Dr. Rubini, who 
introduced Cactus into our materia medica, and is simply a strong- 
er solution than our tincture. It is, I believe, a saturated solution. 

Camphor was first proved by Hahnemann, who says: "The 
rapid exhaustion of its action and the quick change of its symp- 
toms render it incapable of curing most chronic diseases" (Mat. 
Med. Pura) . As its action is short it must be repeated at frequent 
intervals. Hahnemann tells us that he "can testify from exper- 
ience" that Camphor "removes the too violent action of very many 
drugs, whether unsuitably employed or given in too large doses." 

While in such cases its antidotal powers are of benefit to us,' be 
on your guard that from its universal use it does not cause our 
undoing by destroying the effects of our medicines. The only safe 
method that I know of is to throw the camphor bottle out of the 
window on our first visit and to forbid the use of oil that is cam- 
phorated. 

Camphor may be used as an antidote to irritant poisons and 
Allen cites as examples, the effects of poisonous insects (122), 
tobacco and mushrooms. 

Camphor produces violent convulsions, hysterical and epilepti- 
form, and various phases of nervous excitement. It also produces 
great coldness of the body, perhaps with a feeling as if a cold 
wind were blowing against the various parts, and profound col- 
lapse (34), with feeble pulse. 

As a rule, in cases of collapse requiring Camphor the prostration 
occurs suddenly and increases rapidly and there is amelioration 
of the symptoms from profuse sweat. 

There is restlessness (160) and often subsultus tendinum (183), 
and frequently in cases calling for the remedy there is a feeling of 
general soreness, as if one had been beaten (166). 



CAMPHOR. 341 

Camphor is to be thought of in the new-born who are asphyxi- 
ated (19) and have spasms in consequence, and for convulsions 
or collapse the result of suppressed eruptions, in scarlet fever 
(35) and especially in measles (35), with blueness and general 
coldness, and dryness of the skin. It may be indicated in the 
collapsed state due to shock from injuries, etc., with coldness 
of the surface of the body and weak and intermittent pulse (110). 

The mental condition in collapsed states is either one of extreme 
anxiety, restlessness and perhaps delirium, or we have a state of 
great lethargy, from which they can scarcely be aroused, or a com- 
plete loss of consciousness. 

It is useful after sunstroke (98), provided there is the general 
coldness so characteristic of the remedy, and usually with head- 
ache, a constrictive pain (105) as if the head were knotted up, 
and with throbbing (102) in the cerebellum. 

The Camphor patient is sensitive to cold and to cold air (5) 
and takes cold easily (5) and as a remedy it is useful in the first 
stage of coryza, with chilliness, soreness or aching of the muscles, 
sneezing, and either dryness of the nostrils or a fluent discharge, 
with, in both instances, a feeling as if cold air were passing over 
the mucous membrane when breathing. 

It acts as a palliative in hay-fever (89) and Hahnemann speaks 
of it as such in the grip, for he says : " When the influenza endemic 
in Siberia comes among us, .... camphor is of service, only as a 
palliative certainly, but an invaluable palliative, seeing that -the 
disease is one of short duration. It should be given in frequent 
but ever increasing doses, dissolved in water "(Mat. Med. Pura). 
This statement of Hahnemann's was made before Gels, was proved. 

I may be prejudiced against Camphor, but I feel that as it is 
employed it does more harm than it accomplishes good and, with 
the exception of cholera, I consider that we can use other reme- 
dies in any given case that will prove of greater value and afford 
more permanent benefit than Camphor. 

It is not so much the use of the drug by physicians that I object 
to, for as a usual thing it is only occasionally used by them, as it is 
its constant employment by the laity. 

The camphor bottle and the kerosene-oil can are to be found in 



342 MATERIA MEDICA. 

every American family, and while the latter holds the record of 
being able to remove one from this scene of trouble by the shortest 
and most direct route, still Camphor by its antidotal powers and 
especially by reason of its action as a heart depressant, causes 
many a condition of ill-health that we are often at a loss to ac- 
count for. 

In acute colds and coryzas, for which Camphor is so often self- 
administered, there are many remedies for us to think of that will 
act other than as mere palliatives. 

The face in Camphor is sunken and pale, a collapsed expression, 
the lips blue (207), the face, nose, mouth, tongue and breath cold 
(24). 

We have vomiting, with great prostration and cold sweat (208) 
and we may have internal burning in the abdomen and external 
coldness. 

In cholera infantum, Camphor would be indicated by the sud- 
denness of the attack and the rapidity of the exhaustion (34), 
vomiting, involuntary movements and coldness of the body. 

In true, or Asiatic cholera (31) it is of great value. In the early 
stage it is indicated when the stools are loose and watery, or still 
contain faecal matter, and associated with vomiting and great ex- 
haustion; in a later stage there is increased and icy-coldness, 
usually with dryness of the surface of the body and may be, sud- 
den suppression of all discharges, including vomiting and diar- 
rhoea, and collapse. The remedy should be discontinued when the 
patient perspires. 

It may be of interest to know that in 1831, cholera first invaded 
Europe. Its approach was known and caused great anxiety 
among physicians as to the proper treatment of the disease. 
Hahnemann, who had only seen the printed description of the 
symptoms of the disease, gave notice that from the provings Cam- 
phor was the remedy to be used in the early stage, and clinical 
experience in each subsequent epidemic has demonstrated the 
truth of his statement (from Hughes). 

Camphor is to be thought of in hsematuria (85), especially after 
irritating drugs, and in excessive strangury (194) and retention or 
suppression of urine (200) in Asiatic cholera or in poisoning by 
Cantharis. 



CANNABIS INDICA. 343 

In the male sexual sphere it is useful in chordee (31), the result 
of sudden suppression of a gonorrhoeal discharge, with coldness, 
strangury, etc., and for prostration following sexual excesses (167). 

In the female it is to be thought of in sexual excitement, if of 
recent origin, although Hahnemann says, "it acts only in a pallia- 
tive manner" and to the subsequent harm of the patient. In 
puerperal mania (129) it would be indicated when the discharges 
were suppressed, with dryness of the surface of the body and 
coldness. 

It has been used in asthmatic attacks (19) and in emphysema 
(66), with suffocation and for a dry cough in measles, with sup- 
pressed eruptions. 

Camphor is a remedy having cramps in the calves (52), espec- 
ially in conditions of collapse, and it is of value in congestive chill 
(31), with icy-coldness over the whole surface of the body. 

Hydrocy. acid is to be thought of for collapse when caused by 
Camphor, with sudden cessation of all discharges. 

Opium is an antidote to Camphor. 

Hahnemann tells us that he has "not found Camphor suitable 
as an antidote to the violent effects of Ign." though it may antidote 
some of the minor effects. 

I use Camphor in the tincture. 

CANNABIS INDICA 

Indian Hemp. 

(Cannabis, hemp.) 

The Indian word bhang is Hindustandi for hemp and under this 
name the leaves are used for smoking. An intoxicating drink is 
prepared by infusing the pounded leaves in cold water and in India 
this is known as ganja or gunjah, while the Arabs call it hashish. 

The true Indian hemp, i. e., that which contains to the fullest 
extent the narcotic properties of the herb, grows at altitudes of 
6,000 to 10,000 feet, principally in the Himalayas above Calcutta 
and in Thibet, and its physiological activity is influenced largely 
by the height at which it grows. 

Some of the local names by which it is known, the leaf of delu- 



344 MATERIA MEDICA. 

sion, the increase! of pleasure, the laughter mover, will serve to 
indicate some of the mental states produced by its use. Hale 
says: "It stands almost alone as a medicine that seems to possess 
the power of acting on the soul. It seems to give us some idea 
of the vast capabilities of emotion, comprehension and capacity 
for happiness and sorrow, which the soul of man possesses, but 
which lie latent while the body incloses it." 

The most extensive provings that we have of this remedy were 
made by the American Provers Union and obtained by eight 
physicians, the report being published in 1839. In addition we 
have on record many fragmentary provings and the effects of 
single doses of varying amounts. 

I do not feel that Cannabis Ind. has lived up to the hopes enter- 
tained for it in mental disorders. Hale gives it as his opinion 
"that in order that it shall prove curative in mental diseases, they 
must be purely psychical in their origin, and not depend on any 
bodily ailment." 

Cannabis Ind. produces loquacity (ho) and indiscriminate 
laughter, an abnormal exhilaration and excitation of thought, so 
that ideas crowd upon each other with great rapidity. 

Delusions concerning time and space are very pronounced, so 
that time seems indefinite, space immense; "a few seconds seem 
ages, a few rods an immense distance" (Hering). 

There are also hallucinations and imaginations innumerable; 
he hears music or bells ringing most sweetly; imagined that he 
was a pump-log through which a stream of hot water was playing; 
that he was an inkstand and that the ink might spill over the bed ; 
imagined that he was gradually swelling or that he was a huge 
hippopotamus; fears that he may become insane (120). 

The sense of duality (54) is often noticed, as if the soul were 
separated from the body (54) or as if he had two beings, with two 
distinct, yet concurrent trains of ideas, or even that he is a third 
person and looking at himself and a friend. Exaltation of spirits 
is apt to be followed by sadness. 

Talcott tells us that "the natural tendency of the individual is 
exaggerated under the influence of Cannabis Indica; the mild and 
gentle person becomes more pleasant, happy and agreeable than 



CANNABIS INDICA. 345 

common, while those possessing irritable dispositions become 
exceedingly vicious and violent under this drug." 

It is a remedy of value in " nervous diseases, with delusions re- 
lating to time and space, and accompanied by unusual sexual dis- 
turbances" (Talcott). In delirium and delirium tremens (54) 
we are apt to have frequent shaking of the head, misapprehen- 
sions concerning time and distance, great flow of language (55) 
and exalted ideas concerning his power and wealth (54). 

In the head it is of value in uremic headache (103) and in 
migraine (99), with severe agonizing pain, " rendering the 
patients delirious or unconscious" (Hale), and a feeling as if the 
top of the head were opening and shutting, or as if it were being 
lifted or raised (106). 

The urinary symptoms of Cannabis Ind. are very similar to those 
found under Cannabis sat., although inflammatory symptoms 
are more marked in the latter. 

In Cannabis Ind. we have stitches or burning (194) in urethra 
before, during and after micturition, with dribbling of urine after 
the stream ceases (198). 

The primary effect of Cannabis Ind., on both sexes, is that of an 
aphrodisiac, associated with amorous dreams, "in which are 
realized the prophesies and promises of Mahomet's heaven for the 
time being" (Talcott); the secondary effects are to cause impo- 
tency or sterility. We use it with success in satyriasis (163) 
and for chordee (31). 

Menstruation under Cannabis Ind. is profuse, but attended with 
great pain. "It appears," says Hale, "to control the neuralgic 
(139) and spasmodic varieties of dysmenorrhea, but is more 
frequently indicated when the patient is hysterical, emotional, 
and the menses are preceded, attended, or followed by unusual 
sexual desires. " It is also to be thought of in uterine colic, with 
great nervous agitations. 

In the heart, we have sharp stitches, with a sensation of oppres- 
sion (110), the latter better from deep breathing (107). 

It is to be thought of in nightmare soon after falling asleep, and 
for dreams about horrible objects or of dead bodies (62). 

I use Cannabis Ind. 3rd. 



346 MATERIA MEDICA. 

CANNABIS SATIVA 

Common Hemp. 

(Sativus, sown or planted.) 

We use the tops of the hemp grown in Europe or America to 
prepare our tincture. 

While Cannabis sat. is said to be "the only species known of 
Cannabis, C. Indica being only a variety" (Century Diet.), Mills- 
paugh tells us that Cannabis Ind., which you recall grows at an 
altitude of 6,000-10,000 feet, "differs in nowise botanically from 
that grown at lower levels, but medically the variation is wide. " 

Cannabis Ind. contains more of the peculiar gum "Hashish/' 
producing much greater mental disturbance, Cannabis sat. contains 
an unusual amount of potassium nitrate, producing more pro- 
nounced urinary symptoms. 

Cannabis sat., " a native of the temperate portions of Asia, grows 
readily in this country, in waste places and cultivated grounds, 
where the cleanings of bird cages have found their way" (Mills- 
paugh). 

Hahnemann, who first proved Cannabis sat., says that previous 
to his proving, it had been " used to advantage in the inflammatory 
stage of gonorrhoea" and that "the homoeopathic reason for its 
utility is evident from the peculiar similar morbid states observed 
in the urinary organs after the administration of hemp to healthy 
persons, although no physician ever recognized this." 

It is in specific urethritis that you will find the most frequent 
calls for this remedy. There are burning (194), biting pains 
extending backward towards the bladder when urinating, with 
frequent desire to urinate, but with difficulty in starting the flow, 
owing to a spasmodic closure of the sphincter of the bladder; a 
cystitis due to the extension of the gonorrhceal inflammation, 
with scalding and bloody urine. 

In gonorrhoea excessive swelling of the prepuce is often a valu- 
able indication for the use of this remedy, associated with burning 
in urethra during and after urinating, worse just after urinating 
(197). While it may be indicated throughout the course of gonor- 
rhoea, it is of especial value in the early stage and I think that 
the majority of physicians use it low. 



CANTHARIS. 347 

This is what Hahnemann says concerning the best potency in 
which to use it: "For a long time I employed the undiluted alco- 
holic tincture of Cannabis, in the dose of the smallest portion of a 
drop ; but the higher and the very highest yet made dilution and 
potency (X)" (30th) "of it develops the medicinal powers of this 
plant in a much greater degree" (Mat. Med. Pura). 

I use Cannabis sat. in the tincture. 

CANTHARIS 

Spanish Fly. 

Cantharis vesicatoria (Kdvdapis — kantharis, a blistering fly), the 
Spanish or blistering fly, is the best known species of the family 
Cantharidce. The flies, originally perhaps, natives of Spain and 
Italy, are now found in Hungary and southern Russia as well, the 
Russian being the largest and most esteemed. 

The flies, or beetles, are an inch or less in length and of a shining 
green color, and when crushed of a sweetish, nauseous smell. 
The juice being acrid, persons in shaking the trees where they 
swarm, must have their face and hands protected by netting and 
gloves. When collected, the flies are killed by exposing them to 
the fumes of boiling vinegar; they are then dried. If they are now 
exposed to the air, and if powdered they soon putrify; so they are 
packed whole after drying in air-tight vessels, and will thus retain 
their properties for many years, being powdered as needed. 

While the use of Cantharis is very ancient, Hahnemann first 
introduced the remedy into our materia medica. He, however, 
did but little with it, giving us but 105 symptoms and it was left 
to others to re-prove it and gather together the records of poisoning 
so that now we find in Allen's Encyclop. 1651 symptoms taken from 
112 different sources. 

The chief action of Cantharis is on the entire urinary tract, and 
on the intestinal canal, especially on the lower bowel. When 
applied to the skin it produces blisters (vesication, with inflam- 
mation) . 

Mentally we find Cantharis useful in acute mania of a sexual 
type, amorous frenzy, intense desire for sexual intercourse in 
either sex, nymphomania (146) or satyriasis (163). 



348 MATERIA MEDICA. 

We may have in the delirium of the remedy, crying and barking 
like a dog, and ending in convulsions. Talcott says of the symp- 
tom, " renewal of these attacks/' of convulsions, " at sight of 
liquids," that he has seen "some Cantharis cases that were much 
disturbed by seeing water, or any bright, glistening substance" 
and suggests its use in hydrophobia (119). 

In the eye, Cantharis is to be thought of in acute inflammations, 
with biting, and smarting as from a burn, and internally and 
locally it is one of our best remedies for inflammations of the eye 
when caused by burns from chemicals or pieces of hot metal 
(locally "not stronger than one part of the tincture to forty of 
water") (Hughes). 

A condition in which Cantharis is of value, yet frequently over- 
looked, is vesicular erysipelas (68), with redness and burning, 
biting heat, associated with nephritis. 

In the throat it is to be thought of in inflammations where the 
burning is the prominent feature, the throat feels on fire. In 
diphtheria, we would have in addition, constriction amounting 
almost to suffocative dyspnoea, with the resultant regurgitation 
of drink (183). 

In intestinal conditions, the especial characteristics would be 
the tympanitic distention (13) and the burning heat. 

The diarrhoea calling for Cantharis is like meat-washings, or 
the scrapings of the intestines (60), the stools consisting of red- 
dish or bloody mucus, or flakes of blood and mucus, with extreme 
burning at anus during stool (61). With the stool we have 
severe burning tenesmus of both rectum and bladder (61) and 
chill during stool (61) as if water were poured over him. In 
dysentery, we have a similar picture, only of much greater severity, 
and with burning of the throat, mouth and lips, unquenchable 
thirst, cold hands and feet and a tendency to collapse. 

In the throat, rectum and bladder, the intensity of the symp- 
toms is often the key-note to the remedy, and it is of value in 
cystitis, even of a most violent character, with intense burning 
tenesmus. 

The urine is bloody, scalds the whole length of the urethra and 
is passed drop by drop, with great straining ; associated with this, 



CAPSICUM. 349 

we have general fever and chilliness and always the most terrible 
distress, cutting and burning (194), in the neck of the bladder, 
or strangury. In gonorrhoea there is the most intense suffering, 
sexual excitement and chordee (31), with constant distress in 
the bladder and with discharge of blood. It is of frequent use in 
acute nephritis with the distress in the bladder, and scanty, bloody 
(85) and albuminous urine. It is to be thought of in renal 
calculi (124), with the bladder symptoms of the remedy, and for 
gravel in children (124) with constant pulling of the penis. 

In the female, we find menstruation too early and dark (136), 
with great soreness of the breasts. The ovaries are inflamed, with 
burning pains, extreme sensitiveness to touch (148) and with great 
aggravation during menstruation. It is to be thought of in puer- 
peral metritis, especially with mania (129) of a sexual type. 

Sensitiveness to touch being so pronounced under this remedy, 
it is to be remembered for spasms produced by touching the 
larynx (191). 

Canth. is to be thought of in the exudative stage (150) of pleurisy 
characterized by extreme heat and burning in the chest (28). 

It is an excellent remedy, internally and locally, for burns and 
scalds causing vesication, for vesicular eruptions, with itching 
and burning heat, and for eczema on the backs of the hands (65), 
between the fingers, or of the feet, in all these conditions with relief 
from cold or cold applications and aggravation from heat (122). 

Coff. cr. is incompatible with Cantharis. 

I use Cantharis 3rd. 

CAPSICUM 

Cayenne Pepper — Red Pepper. 

(Capsicum, so called from the shape of its pod, capsa, & box or 
case; Dunglison says it is derived from Kairrw, kapto, bite. 
Cayenne, the capital of French Guiana; the pods or berries are 
known in commerce as " Guinea pepper.") 

Hahnemann, who first proved this remedy, says: "The dis- 
eases curable by Capsicum are rarely met with in persons of tense 
fibre" (Mat. Med. Pura). He refers to the trillion-fold dilution 
(9th) as the suitable one to use. 



350 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Capsicum is most useful in older persons who have become 
debilitated by disease and who react badly; not so often indicated 
in young people. It is often adapted to people who have ex- 
hausted their vitality, especially by mental work, and whose 
vital heat is diminished (114); in those who do not react, especi- 
ally from chill, who are fat and indolent, with weary and painful 
muscles, and who fear the slightest draft (5) of either warm 
or cold air. 

Capsicum is useful for the weakness and debility found in 
those who are trying to abstain from their accustomed alcoholic 
stimulants. Lilienthal speaks of ten drops of the tincture "for 
dipsomania shortly before meals, or whenever depression or 
craving for alcohol arises" (15). It is good also in material 
doses, for those who have not abstained. Gtt. x-xx of the tinc- 
ture in water is often sufficient to enable a drunk to brace up 
and walk home. Saves the ambulance surgeon the trouble of 
bringing him to the hospital. 

Capsicum produces inflammation of mucous membranes, with 
bloody mucous discharges (throat, bladder, bowels). It pro- 
duces well-marked chill and fever, neuralgias and phlegmonous 
inflammations, with threatening deep-seated abscesses (lungs, 
ear). 

The pains, in general, are spoken of as burning, and chilliness 
is an almost universal accompaniment. Remember that when 
we have thirst in a Capsicum condition, that drinking causes or 
increases the chilliness. 

Many of the sensations of the remedy are of constriction, and 
are noticed especially in the throat, chest, bladder and rectum. 

Teste, writing in 1853, says: " Homoeopathic physicians have 
not yet derived from pepper all the good it is undoubtedly able 
to accomplish. Until now it has only been employed in certain 
forms of intermittent fevers, which have resisted the action of 
cinchona or were caused by the abuse of this drug." 

Capsicum is one of the remedies to be thought of in nostalgia 
or homesickness (119), with a continuous performance consist- 
ing of crying and chilliness. 

It is to be thought of in headache, with feeling as if it would 



CAPSICUM. 351 

burst (104) on moving head, walking or coughing (95), "better 
from heat" (Lippe) (92). The bursting headaches of this rem- 
edy are often the accompaniment of intermittent fever. 

Capsicum is of value in chronic suppuration of the middle 
ear, with perforation of the drum and discharge of thick, yellow 
pus, associated with bursting headache, chilliness, etc., and it 
is our main remedy in threatening abscess of the mastoid (64), 
with some external redness and great tenderness to touch. 

In the throat we have spasmodic constriction (190) as well 
as pain on swallowing, as from a swelling. It is especially useful 
in the sore throats of drinkers and smokers (191), sometimes 
with tough mucus that is difficult to dislodge, but usually with 
inflammation, burning and relaxed uvula. The diphtheria call- 
ing for the remedy is of a severe type (62) ; in addition to the 
spasmodic constriction, excessive burning, chilliness, etc., we would 
have extensive gangrene of the mouth (141) and throat. 

It is useful in haemorrhoids (86) with intense burning, which 
for our easy remembrance is spoken of as burning as from pepper, 
with throbbing and great soreness, and associated with pain in 
the small of the back. 

In dysentery, two symptoms are apt to stand out above all 
the others; one, the severe pain in the back after the stool (61); 
the other, excessive thirst especially after the stool, and drinking 
causing chilliness and pronounced shivering (61). The stools 
are frequent, small, mucous and bloody, with excessive burning 
in the anus (61) and tenesmus of both rectum and bladder 
(61). 

In the urinary organs we find tenesmus, strangury (194), fre- 
quent and almost ineffectual efforts to urinate. It is useful in 
gonorrhoea, with the above symptoms and pain in the prostate, 
and biting, burning pains (194) during or between the acts of 
micturition (197), and Carleton says, "especially indicated in 
the fat and indolent;" also of value in gonorrhoea with chordee 
(31), "which can only be appeased or subdued in cold water" 
(Hering), with excessive burning and pain in the prostate (155). 
It is to be thought of in impotency (168), with coldness of the 
scrotum (164) and tendency to atrophy of the testicles (188). 



352 MATERIA MEDICA. 

While hoarseness is mentioned in the pathogenesis of Cap- 
sicum, Hering speaks only of this symptom: " Hoarseness from 
straining the voice, in singers, preachers, etc." (117). 

The cough is violent and explosive or paroxysmal, causing 
bursting headache, a feeling as if the chest would burst or fly to 
pieces (49) and pains in distant parts, knees, legs, etc. 

Capsicum is of value in threatening or actual gangrene of the 
lungs (29), when the breath is not offensive but the cough expels 
a putrid odor from the lungs. 

In intermittent fever calling for the remedy, a leading symptom 
to keep in mind is, thirst and drinking causes chilliness. This 
thirst precedes the chill (121) and as drinking causes chilliness, 
the patient gets the idea that the onset of the paroxysm is has- 
tened by the first drink. The chill begins in the back (121), 
perhaps between the shoulder-blades, and is better from heat. 
There is thirst during the chill and less thirst during the fever and 
sweat. During the chill there is great pain in the back and 
limbs and bursting headache. Frequently we find that the 
sweat coincides or commingles with the fever or hot stage instead 
of following it. 

I use Capsicum 3d. 

CARBO ANIMALIS 

Animal Charcoal — Charred Ox-hide. 

Carbo an. is prepared by placing a piece of ox-hide leather on 
red-hot coals and leaving it there as long as it burns with a flame. 
As soon as the flame ceases, the red-hot mass is extinguished by 
pressing it between two flat stones; otherwise, if left to cool 
gradually in the air, most of the carbon would be consumed. 
(Carbo an. of the old school is prepared from bone.) 

The proving of Carbo an. was first published by Hahnemann 
in 1827, and he says, concerning the reason for making the prov- 
ing: " However much similarity there may be found in the effects 
of animal charcoal and of vegetable charcoal on the state of the 
human health, there are, nevertheless, so many variations in the 
effects of animal charcoal from those found in vegetable charcoal, 



CARBO ANIMALIS. 353 

and so many particular symptoms, that I have thought it useful 
to add here what I have been able to observe" (Chr. Dis.). 

Like all the carbons, this is a tissue remedy; but of the four 
principal ones, from the animal, vegetable and mineral kingdoms, 
Carbo an. is the least used. 

Carbo an. is useful in elderly people, especially with venous 
plethora (207), distended veins, skin of hands and feet blue and 
blue lips, with great debility. It is one of the remedies where 
the patient suffers from "cold feet" (Chr. Dis.) (71), there is a 
general lack of vital heat (114), an " aversion to the open, cold, 
dry air" (Lippe) (5), and a general lack of recuperative power 
and it is to be thought of in lack of reaction after debilitating 
diseases (156). 

In the young it is useful for scrofulous subjects, with enlarge- 
ment and induration of glands (82). 

Another sphere of usefulness for Carbo an. is for indolent tumors 
with burning pains. 

Mentally there is sadness, with desire to be alone (9) and 
disinclination to talk, and it is sometimes useful in homesickness. 

There is deafness and confused hearing, so that he cannot tell 
the direction of sounds, and bleeding from the nose mornings, 
preceded by vertigo; but epistaxis is not nearly as prominent 
under this remedy as it is under the vegetable carbon. 

In the stomach we find heartburn and offensive eructations, 
and there is much trouble from flatulence, but, as with the 
nosebleed, these occupy a secondary position here and a promi- 
nent one under Carbo veg. 

In the female sexual organs, Lilienthal gives additional promi- 
nence to the pathogenetic symptom that the menses are dark 
and flow only in the morning. While menstruation is not ex- 
cessive, it "produces great exhaustion" (Minton). It is to be 
thought of in troubles following suppression of the menses, with 
sadness and desire to be alone (9), feeling of goneness in the 
stomach (179) and general weakness. 

The r. ovary (147) is the most frequently affected in Carbo an., 
it becoming indurated (147) and feeling heavy like a ball. 

It is of value in metritis, with induration of the neck, and in 



354 MATERIA MEDICA. 

true scirrhus of the uterus (202), with offensive discharges. The 
pains in the female sexual organs are generally burning, some- 
times tearing, with heaviness and pressure downward. 

It is of value in scirrhus of the breast (23) ; at first when we 
have simply the hard nodule and perhaps stinging pain, and 
later when the skin around the nodule is blue and mottled (23) , 
the axillary glands indurated and with burning drawing pains 
through the breast. 

Carlo an. is useful in a late stage of pneumonia, with ulceration 
of the lungs, purulent and extremely offensive expectoration 
(69), suffocation and great debility and with burning or a feeling 
of coldness (29) in the chest. 

It has been found of value in syphilis, with copper-colored 
eruptions (some of the provers got these copper-colored eruptions 
from taking even the crude Carbo an.), for buboes which have a 
blue look (26) or for old buboes which have broken down and 
will not heal, but instead discharge an offensive ichor, the sur- 
rounding tissue being blue and indurated. 

It is a remedy to be remembered for redness of the end of the 
nose (145) from cold. 

Carbo an. has a dragging bruised pain in the coccyx, or a pain 
there that becomes a burning on touch, which symptoms have 
been found as valuable indications for the annoying troubles 
connected with injury (34) or neuralgia (34) of the coccyx. 

There are numerous symptoms in the provings referring to 
pain as if the parts were sprained. Lippe says: " Easy straining 
(173); great debility and spraining of the joints" (173); Hering 
adds: "Easily sprained from lifting even small weights." 

In the debilitated conditions calling for Carbo an. we have 
exhausting and offensive night-sweats (185), which color the 
linen yellow. 

I use Carbo an. 3d. 

CARBO VEGETABILIS. 

Vegetable or Wood Charcoal. 

Hahnemann says: "The charcoal of any kind of wood, thor- 
oughly heated to redness" (to rid it of the vaporous gases that 



CARBO VEGETABILIS. 355 

it has absorbed), "seems to manifest itself uniformly in its effects 
on the human health, when it has been prepared and potentized 
in. the manner which Homoeopathy uses. I employ the char- 
coal of birch wood; in some provings by others the charcoal of 
the red beech was used" (Chr. Dis.). 

Hahnemann proved it in the 3d trit. and for medicinal use, 
says: "The various degrees of potency are employed according 
to the varying intention in healing, down from the decillion- 
potency" (30th) "to the million-powder-attenuation" (3d) (Chr. 
Dis.). 

Carbo veg. is adapted to persons who are suffering from ex- 
hausting diseases, and especially when exhausted from the loss 
of vital fluids, haemorrhages, sweats, diarrhoeas, seminal fluid; 
"it seems to control haemorrhages, especially in older persons" 
(Allen) and in a general way acts as a tonic in conditions of 
great prostration (156). Its prostration is more marked than 
that found under Carbo an. 

It is indicated in the collapsed stage of various diseases (34), 
she faints readily and wants to be fanned constantly, and in 
general, with fetid exhalations and discharges, and bluish ap- 
pearance of the skin. Diseases of the venous system predomi- 
nate (207), with "symptoms of imperfect oxidation of the 
blood;" the veins are swollen and livid, the "blood stagnates 
in the capillaries, causing blueness, coldness" (Hering), coldness 
of the extremities, especially cold knees. 

It is of great value in haemorrhages, especially when they occur 
in elderly people and there is a tendency to haemorrhage in low 
types of disease, as in pernicious anaemia, purpura haemorrhagica 
(158) and typhoid fever (193). There is a tendency to putrid 
decomposition. 

Headache is a prominent symptom under Carbo veg., the general 
character of the pain being heaviness and pressure, a dull ache. 
The head feels as heavy as lead; feeling as if the head were bound 
up with a cloth (105) ; the hat pressed upon the head like a heavy 
weight and the sensation continued even after taking it off, are 
some of the expressions used by the provers to describe their 
sensations. 
24 



356 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Vertigo is often an accompaniment of the headache and usu- 
ally both are " attended with weakness and tendency to faintness" 
(Dunham). The vertigo is pronounced and the patient is 
obliged to hold on to something to keep from falling. There is 
aggravation when sitting up in bed after sleeping (207), from quick 
movements of the head (207) and from stooping (207) as well as 
vertigo "from flatulence" (Hering). 

There is falling of the hair in Carbo veg. after severe diseases 
and after pregnancy (153). 

In the eyes it is useful in asthenopia (72) the result of over- 
work or over use of the eyes, with vision of floating black spots 
(77). 

It is to be thought of for deafness and dryness of the ears 
after scarlet fever or measles (63), for thin, offensive discharge 
(63) due to suppuration of the middle ear, and for deafness 
from defective secretion or absence of wax (65). 

Carbo veg. is of value for varicose veins on the nose (146) and 
for varicose veins on the septum of the nose (146) which are 
the cause of many a case of nosebleed, especially in old people. 
We have nosebleed preceded and accompanied by pallor of the 
face and feeling of faintness, and it is of value in recurring nose- 
bleed in persons who have been overtaxed with anxiety, especi- 
ally elderly people, as well as in epistaxis occurring during low 
types of disease, especially typhoid fever. 

The gums are sensitive and spongy, they are retracted (84) 
and bleed easily (84) from sucking them (84) or from brushing 
the teeth (84). With this condition of the gums the teeth 
become loose and decay rapidly (186). 

The tongue is dry and black (192) in a late stage of typhoid 
:and yellow fevers, or cold, yellow and fissured in the collapse of 
cholera (31), with cold breath (192). 

Carbo veg. has a marked effect on the digestion, especially in 
atonic conditions, and in flatulent distention of the stomach and 
abdomen you will find frequent call for the remedy. You all 
know, as Dunham says, that " charcoal possesses the power of 
absorbing gases in large quantities in vastly greater proportions 
than the relation of its bulk. It condenses the gases within its 



CARBO VEGETABILIS. 357 

pores. It does not act equally upon all gases in this way; ab- 
sorbs but little hydrogen, more oxygen, large quantities of sul- 
phuretted hydrogen, and still more ammonia," and for this 
reason it has been used as a disinfectant and to purify water. 
("Of ammoniacal gas it is said to absorb not less than ninety times 
its volume, while of hydrogen it takes up less than twice its own 
bulk" — Fownes Chemistry.) 

Charcoal, or Carbo ligni, as used by the old school for flatu- 
lence, "in 5-10 grain doses" (Ringer), "average dose — 15 grains" 
(U. S. Phar., '05) has a purely "chemical action," as Hahnemann 
showed us long ago, and does not accomplish what we as homoeo- 
paths strive for, the cure of the condition causing the flatulence. 

For homoeopaths the length of time, after eating, before the 
distress is noticed, is one of the leading indications in the selection 
of the remedy (177). 

It is of great value in flatulent dyspepsia, with sour eructations 
(178) difficult to raise (181); the distress comes on half an hour 
(177) or an hour (177) after eating and the stomach and abdo- 
men become swollen like a drum. Every sort of food disagrees, 
even things which have usually digested easily and everything 
seems to be converted into gas (177). 

There is an aversion to meat and fat things (177) and to milk 
(6) as the patient says it makes her flatulent; the stomach 
seems to be suffering from inertia (178) and is unable to digest 
the simplest articles of food. The eructations which are noticed 
after drinking as well as after eating, are not easy to raise, although 
there is experienced a feeling of great relief when they do break 
(175). For all that there is such an accumulation of gas, the 
patient has to squirm about, retract and even knead the abdo- 
men (depending upon where she is and who is looking), in order 
to dislodge it. 

I have always looked upon Carbo veg. as having eructations 
and flatus of the odor of sulphuretted hydrogen, but it is not 
so mentioned in Allen's Encyclop., offensive flatus being the 
nearest approach to it. 

It is useful in acid dyspepsia (178) with heartburn (114), 
coldness of the surface of the body and feeble pulse, and in the 



358 MATERIA MEDICA. 

gastralgia of nursing women, with flatulence, sour and rancid 
eructations and faintness. Associated with the excessive flatu- 
lence of the remedy we may have a sensation of burning in the 
stomach (178), which sometimes extends to the back (180). 

In the abdomen there is great distention as from an accumu- 
lation of gas (182), with rumbling of flatus (81), which passes 
more or less easily and with a feeling of much relief (81). The 
flatus is usually offensive. 

A frequent cause for the gastric and abdominal troubles calling 
for Carbo veg., is hurried eating, eating when very tired and 
assuming a bad position after a hearty meal, such as sitting 
bent over on the porch steps or on a chair without a back. 

We find in Carbo veg., colic worse riding in the cars or in a 
carriage, better from the emission of flatus (81). 

In diarrhoea calling for this remedy, the stools are brown, 
watery, slimy and of a putrid, cadaverous odor (59). The 
diarrhoea is seldom due to any acute condition, but is the accom- 
paniment of low types of fever and associated with coldness of 
the lips, tongue and extremities, faintness, a tendency to col- 
lapse (34) and desire to be fanned. 

The urine is scanty, high-colored, or dark red, and contains 
a good deal of uric acid (123). It is to be thought of in haema- 
turia, with tendency to faintness or collapse, and in suppression 
of urine in cholera (200). 

Carbo veg. is an important remedy for exhaustion following the 
loss of fluids from the body; this includes haemorrhages from any 
part of the body, prolonged nursing (146), excessive expectora- 
tion, profuse diarrhoeas (58), excessive sexual indulgence (167) 
and masturbation (167). 

Menstruation is too early and too profuse (135), thick, corro- 
sive, offensive (137) or of strong odor, and exhausting (138), 
and preceded by violent itching of the vulva (156). 

It is to be thought of in menorrhagia, with passive flow (138). 
The leucorrhcea, like the menstrual flow, is thick and corrosive 
(126), causing rawness and soreness. It is useful for varicose 
veins of the pudenda (206), with easy haemorrhages. 

In the throat we have hoarseness or aphonia that is painless 



CARBO VEGETABILIS. 359 

and worse in the evening, and due to relaxation of the vocal 
cords (207) so that the voice fails on exerting it. It is useful in 
chronic laryngeal catarrh, especially of old people and in chronic 
bronchitis of old people (47), with burning in chest (28) and 
choking when coughing. 

The cough is better from heat (40) or from being in a warm 
room. Lippe says the cough is worse " after eating (41) and 
drinking, especially cold things" (41). The cough is generally 
spasmodic, suffocative, from irritation in the throat, or there 
may be "a tight feeling in the chest, with constant desire to 
cough" (Dunham). 

Carbo veg. has a burning sensation in the chest that is much 
more pronounced than under Carbo an. In Carbo veg. this burn- 
ing has been likened to that from glowing coals (29) and it is 
especially noticeable " after the cough" (Dunham). 

It is a remedy useful in asthma (19) of old people (21) who 
are debilitated, troubled with flatulence, etc., and especially 
when associated with blueness of the skin. 

It may be indicated in a late stage of membranous croup and 
of pneumonia, with excessive dyspnoea, tendency to collapse 
and necessity to be fanned. In haemorrhage from the lungs 
(27) it is of value when we have burning in and oppression of 
the chest (29), the desire to be fanned and the cold skin. 

This feeling that they must be fanned, so frequently found 
under Carbo veg. in states bordering on collapse, is not simply 
the desire for air (9), but they want it to blow on them. There 
is a sensation of impending suffocation and as they feel too weak 
to take a full inspiration, something must be done that will, 
seemingly, force the air into the lungs. 

The heart is weak and the pulse weak and small and Carbo 
veg. is to be thought of in fatty degeneration of the' heart (109), 
with cyanosis (207), cold sweat (114), tendency to haemorrhages 
and desire to be fanned. 

It is a useful remedy for varicose veins (205) and for varicose 
and other low types of ulcers, with ichorous, corrosive discharges, 
burning pains, worse at night, and with purple discoloration of 
the surrounding parts (206). 



360 MATERIA MEDICA. 

It is of value in senile gangrene (82), in gangrenous degenera- 
tion of ulcers (82) and for the tendency of carbuncles to become 
gangrenous (82). 

It is valuable in hectic fever from long lasting suppuration 
(183) and in other low types of fever, especially typhoid, with 
putrid discharges, offensive odor of the body, tendency to haem- 
orrhages (193) and collapse and desire to be fanned. It is to be 
thought of in the third stage of yellow fever with haemorrhages 
(209). 

There is sleeplessness at night in Carbo veg., or frequent waking, 
with coldness of the limbs and especially cold knees. In inter- 
mittent fever the coldness of the knees is a prominent feature. 
While the time of the onset of the paroxysm is not marked, we 
have as guiding symptoms during the chill, great coldness of 
the knees (121) and blueness of the finger-nails (121). During 
the chili there is thirst but during the fever there is none. The 
sweat is sour-smelling. 

While it is useful for the bad effects of quinine (158), "China 
follows well after Carbo vegetabilis" (Lippe). 

I use Carbo veg. 6th. 

CARBOLIC ACID. 

C 6 H 5 OH. 

First proved by Dr. T. Bachmeister, of Chicago, in 1869, and 
our symptoms are from this and numerous other provings, as 
well as from the effects of poisonous doses. 

The best thing for poisoning by Carbolic acid is vinegar, locally 
or internally, as required, and was first told to the profession by 
Dr. Edmund Carleton, of New York. 

Allen says that Carbolic acid is " a powerful protoplasmic poison. 
It destroys life by producing paralysis of heart and respiration; 
preceded by vertigo, roaring in ears, profuse sweat, contracted 
pupil and collapse. The blood is disorganized, and haemoglobin- 
uria results (black urine.)" 

It is a remedy especially to be thought of in malignant types 
of disease, with tendency to destruction of tissues and putrid 
discharges, collapse (34) and cold sweat (185). 



CAULOPHYLLUM. 361 

In diphtheria the face would be dark red but with a white 
streak around the mouth and nose. The case is a bad one (62), 
with extension to the nose (62), extremely fetid odor (62) and 
regurgitation of liquids through the nose on attempting to 
swallow; the urine dark of decomposed blood (194). 

Carbolic acid has been used for the vomiting of pregnancy 
(153) and of drunkards (176), with much flatulence and desire 
for stimulants (9), and for cancer of the stomach (178). 

In dysentery the stools would be putrid (59), looking like 
scrapings of the intestines (60), and associated with collapse. 

It has been used for ulceration of the cervix of the uterus 
(204), with fetid and acrid discharge, and has cured epithelioma 
of the labia (202), cheek and nose, with offensive odor and haem- 
orrhages. 

Allen speaks of it as " palliative in offensive (69), purulent 

expectoration in tuberculosis of lungs," and Dr. John H. Dema- 

rest, of this city, uses it in the lx in whooping cough, to stop the 

paroxysm. , % \ gjlfjjt jgjjfgj 

CAULOPHYLLUM. 

Blue Cohosh — Blue Ginseng — Squaw-root — Pappoose-root. 

{Caulophyllum — KavXos, kaulos, a stem; <&vX\av, phyllan, a 
leaf, the stem of the plant resembling the stalk of a large leaf, or 
so called because the leaf stalks appear like a continuation of the 
stem. The word Cohosh is an Indian name, the meaning of which 
I have been unable to find. The word Blue refers to the color of 
the pod. The word Squaw refers to its main sphere of action, 
while the word Pappoose refers to a time when its action is ex- 
hibited beneficially.) 

While Caulophyllum is a drug that was officinal in the old school 
pharmacopoeia, it was dismissed from that of 1905 and is but 
little used by those physicians. 

Dr. Burt, of this country, first proved Caulophyllum for us, 
but it is only a fragment of what we should have in order to prop- 
erly understand the remedy, it occupying but two pages in 
Allen's Encyclop. 

One of the authors, Millspaugh, says: " There is hardly an 



362 MATERIA MEDICA. 

American remedy in our Materia Medica that needs, and probably 
merits, a more thorough proving, upon females especially, than 
Caulophyllum; and the sooner it is done, the better able will 
we be to cope with many of our most obstinate uterine diseases." 

The most prominent effect of Caulophyllum, as we know it at 
present, is its power of causing " intermittent contractions of the 
gravid uterus" (Hale) (155). It is a plant that grows all over 
this country, and was known to our Indians as " their most valu- 
able parturient; an infusion of the root, drank as tea, for a week 
or two preceding confinement, rendering delivery rapid and 
comparatively painless" (Millspaugh). 

A great many homoeopaths use Caulophyllum as a remedy pre- 
vious to confinement (152) on the principle that it prevents too 
tedious and too painful labors, when not caused by mechanical 
obstacles. Give it t. i. d. for two or four weeks previous to the 
expiration of the term. 

Hale says, in reference to this: "My experience has been so 
uniform on this point, that I do not hesitate to assert that it 
prevents not only a too painful labor, but it prevents those 
premature labors which are so common among the wealthy 
women of this age." It may cause the woman to over-run her 
time, but other things being equal, this is rather an aid to easy 
labor than otherwise. 

It is to be thought of in threatening miscarriage (13), with 
spasmodic uterine pains and more or less haemorrhage, and for 
" habitual abortion from uterine debility, with passive haemor- 
rhage" (Lilienthal). 

It is a very useful remedy for the false, annoying pains (153) 
a few days or weeks before labor sets in. If the patient is already 
taking Caulophyllum t. i. d., she can be informed that if these 
false, spasmodic pains appear she is to take the remedy at hourly 
intervals ; it will be of benefit and stop the pains, give the patient 
something with which to occupy her mind, as well as saving her 
doctor the making of unnecessary calls. 

During labor Caulophyllum is very frequently called for. It 
is needed when the os is rigid (154) and the labor pains are defici- 
ent (153), for while they may be spasmodic and severe, they do 



CAUSTICUM. 363 

not press downward but fly about in all directions and accomplish 
nothing except that they tire the patient out. 

It is of great value when the labor pains are too weak, due to 
atony or to the exhaustion of the patient (153), when they do 
not press downward but pass off with a kind of shivering. 

It is one of the remedies useful in subinvolution of the uterus 
(204) after child-birth, with general debility and loss of power 
in the extremities. 

It may prove useful in prolapsus of the uterus (203) due to 
atony, and in retroversion (203) attended with periodic spas- 
modic pains. 

The leucorrhcea of Caulophyllum is profuse (126) and it may 
prove useful for the leucorrhcea of " little girls" (Minton) (126). 

It is indicated in spasmodic dysmenorrhea, with hysterical 
convulsions (139), pains shooting to various parts of the body 
and with great debility. 

The second prominent action of Caulophyllum is on the short 
muscles and small joints of the extremities, and it is useful in 
rheumatism of the small joints (161), especially of the hands, 
with stiffness and cutting pains on closing the hands ; it is especi- 
ally useful in conjunction with uterine or ovarian troubles. It 
is of value, says Lilienthal, for " arthritis deformans (161) in 
women." 

I use Caulophyllum in the tincture. 

CAUSTICUM. 

A Mixture of Caustic Lime and Bisulphate of Potash. 

Causticum occupies a peculiar position, as a remedy, in my 
mind. I look upon it as I do upon certain people in whom there 
is no brag nor bluster, no claim to superior knowledge, and even 
the hiding of what they do know until the occasion arises that 
leads you to seek their help. While they are seldom leaders, 
being too unobtrusive for that position, they are constantly 
being called upon to finish the work that others have started 
and were unable to complete. The better you know them, the 
greater is your admiration for their ability and the more you are 
inclined to be governed by their opinion. 



364 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Causticum does not claim to cure diphtheria or pneumonia, 
and is very modest about telling of what it has done in paralysis 
or rheumatism, so is very apt to be overlooked; and while in most 
cases you do not ask its help in the beginning of trouble, the 
better you know it the more inclined you become to refer to it 
and in particular to expect it to be able to complete the cure 
that other remedies have left but half finished. 

Causticum is used exclusively by our school and was first proved 
by Hahnemann, who directed that it be prepared as follows: 
A piece of freshly-burnt lime is put for one minute in distilled 
water, and then placed in a dry vessel, where it crumbles to pow- 
der. Equal parts of this powder and pulverized bisulphate of 
potash (previously ignited and melted) are dissolved in the same 
amount of boiling water and stirred to a stiff paste; this paste 
is dissolved to dryness, the vapor being condensed by means of 
cold water, and this clear, distilled liquid is mixed with an equal 
amount of alcohol and called Causticum tincture. 

The exact composition of Causticum has not been determined 
and it seems to me that some day a simpler preparation will be 
found to take its place, but until such time we must make it, 
that is, our pharmacists must make it for us, exactly as Hahne- 
mann directed. 

In an article by T. F. Allen we find the following: "I have 
been in the habit of including Causticum in the potash group, 
as it has been considered a weak solution of caustic potash; but 
recent investigations at Columbia College have shown me that 
this tinctura acris sine Kali of Hahnemann, and which, as he 
thought, contained the alkaline principle or spirit separated from 
the potash, is really aldehyde. Symptomatically, it has always 
to my mind, belonged to the potashes; from end to end its fea- 
tures are similar, even to the symptoms of cardiac paralysis; 
there is something remarkable in its origin as related to its symp- 
toms and to the potash salts; but there is no potash in it, that 
seems certain" (Trans. Am. Inst. Homceo., '94). 

The Causticum patient is ansemic (15), weak, and has no 
desire and scarcely the ability to make an effort, the child being 
slow in learning to walk (208), and young or old, is subject to 
affections of the urinary and respiratory tracts. 



CAUSTICUM. 365 

Many conditions arise from getting cold or wet, or are aggra- 
vated during stormy weather (9) and in Causticum there is a 
general tendency to rheumatic and paralytic affections, especi- 
ally paralysis of single parts and paralysis resulting from rheuma- 
ism or diphtheria. The r. side is especially apt to be affected 
in Causticum (163). 

The girl requiring this remedy is peevish and apprehensive, 
with aggravation of these conditions preceding or during men- 
struation, and it is to be thought of in epileptiform (67), or 
chorea-like spasms at the time of puberty, and for chorea (31) 
affecting especially the r. side and r. eyeball. 

In the eye we find asthenopia (72) with frequent loss of sight, 
as from a mist (78), and paralysis of the muscles of the eye 
and of the upper lid (78), with the resulting ptosis, and par- 
ticularly ptosis after catching cold. There is weakness of the 
muscles of the eyeball, amounting even to paralysis, especially 
with feeling of sand in the eyes (77), also double vision (77) 
from paralysis of the ocular muscles; vision worse on turning the 
eyes to the right. 

Causticum is a most useful remedy to arrest the progress of 
cataract (73), Hering giving, with a "constant inclination to 
touch and rub eye, which seems to relieve a pressure in it." 

In the outer ear we have burning and tingling, as after a frost- 
bite (64) or an excessive accumulation of wax (65), which 
may have an offensive odor. In the middle ear it is useful in 
chronic inflammation, with deafness and re-echoing of sounds 
or of his own voice (65), or with buzzing or roaring in the ears 
(65). 

Causticum is of value in paralysis of one side of the face from 
taking cold, with hemiplegia, in facial neuralgia from change 
of weather to cold and stormy (79), and in rheumatism of the 
articulation of the jaw (162), with pain on attempting to open 
the mouth, in all these conditions with aggravation, perhaps, 
on the r. side. 

The gums are swollen and bleed easily (84), there is a painful 
looseness of the teeth (187) and one or more of the teeth feel 
too long (187). There is severe toothache, even in sound teeth, 



366 MATERIA MEDICA. 

due to taking cold (187) or from drawing in cold air (187), but 
there is no preference given, in the symptoms, to any particular 
side. 

In the stomach it is to be thought of in acid dyspepsia (178) 
with sour eructations and sour vomiting and for haemorrhoids 
(86) that are very painful and with aggravation from standing 
or when walking. 

There is constipation, with frequent, ineffectual efforts at stool 
(34) or a partial paralysis of the rectum, with difficulty in 
expelling the contents and the stool is passed better when stand- 
ing. 

In the bladder we find a condition of great interest that calls 
for Causticum, not only because it is so frequently met with, 
but also because the remedy does so much for us in effecting a 
cure. There is a weakness or paralysis of the muscles of the 
bladder (22) so that the urine is expelled very slowly after 
much effort (200), or it is retained; it is of value in paralysis of 
the bladder after labor with retention of urine (200). There is 
also found a weakness of the sphincter of the bladder, with too 
easy escape of urine and in children it passes involuntarily and 
unconsciously at night, especially during the first sleep (199), 
or during the day (198) from the least excitement or over-exer- 
tion. A loss of sensation of the urethra. 

In older persons micturition is so easy that they are not con- 
scious of what is going on until they notice the results, or there 
is a spurting of urine on blowing the nose, sneezing, coughing 
(52) or walking. 

Allen was the first to call our attention to the value of Caus- 
ticum during labor when we find the pains growing weaker, 
owing to the complete exhaustion of the patient (153), and in 
post-partum haemorrhage (152) due to inertia of the uterus. 

The menses flow only in the day-time (134), while the leucor- 
rhcea, which is bloody and accompanied by great weakness, is 
noticed only at night or is worse at that time (126). 

On the vocal and respiratory organs Causticum is of great 
value and the more we study the remedy the more indications 
we find for its use. 



CAUSTICUM. 367 

It is indicated in various paralyses resulting from diphtheria 
(62) and especially so for paralysis of the muscles of the pharynx 
and larynx. In acute laryngitis, with hoarseness or sudden 
aphonia after taking cold it is frequently called for, as well as in 
loss of voice in singers and speakers (117), especially when it occurs 
from exposure to cold air, after use of the voice, when the larynx 
is more or less heated and congested. The vocal cords will be 
found to be reddened and there will be noticed more or less 
rawness and soreness in the larynx and trachea. 

In the early morning there is great dryness in the larynx 
and the voice is very harsh and rough, all of which sensations 
are relieved by eating or drinking and the use of the voice, and 
a valuable differentiation, as emphasized by Dr. G. G. Shelton, 
between Causticum and Phos. is that in the former the hoarseness 
is better from talking and in the latter worse. There is also a 
feeling as if there were mucus sticking to the vocal cords which 
causes the hoarseness and they try to get rid of it by clearing or 
rather, scraping the throat. 

The cough of Causticum is worse from the warmth of the bed 
(41) and better from sips of cold water, and while several remedies 
are mentioned in the Handbook as having cough better from 
drinking (40), this is the only one where cold drinks are spoken 
of at all prominently. Frequently with the laryngitis or cough 
calling for Causticum, we have a sore or raw streak extending 
down the trachea, which is irritated by every cough, and the 
patient will show the extent of the rawness by means of one 
finger passing over the line of the trachea; with the rawness on 
coughing requiring Phos., all the fingers of one hand are used to 
illustrate the extent, as a broader surface is to be covered. This 
differentiation, as first given by Dr. Shelton, should be kept in 
mind, as it is frequently demonstrated to us by our patients. 

A common sensation under Causticum is as though the irrita- 
tion to cough was caused by mucus situated just below the larynx, 
just too low to be reached by the cough although frequent efforts 
are made to raise it; a sip of cold water will now relieve the 
necessity to cough. We must not forget the symptom already 
spoken of, cough with involuntary micturition (52), nor the 



368 MATERIA MEDICA. 

symptom that I have learned to place great reliance upon, 
cough at the end of pronounced expiration, the cigarette cough. 
Expectoration is scanty and as a rule the little mucus that is 
loosened is more easily swallowed than raised (70). 

Many rheumatic conditions call for Causticum, with a general 
aggravation from taking cold and during stormy weather (9). 
The pains make the patient restless, but motion does not relieve. 

It is useful in stiffness of the neck from taking cold (174), in 
lumbago, with painful stiffness in back, sacrum and "coccyx". 
(Dunham), worse on attempting to straighten out, and in sciatica 
of the r. side, with pain on motion, and in all these conditions 
with relief from heat (10) and aggravation from easterly storms. 
It is of value in many conditions of paralysis resulting from 
rheumatism, and in rheumatic paralysis of the r. deltoid, especi- 
ally (161), with inability to raise the hand to the head or to fix 
the hair. 

There is stiffness and cracking in the joints (125) when walk- 
ing, weakness of the ankles (71), cramps in the calves (71), 
feet and toes, a sensation as though the hamstring muscles were 
too short (71), so that the leg could not be extended, or there 
is contraction of the tendons of the palms of the hands. 

Causticum may prove useful in arthritis deformans (161), 
especially in persons who suffer from great weakness of the 
limbs, and with aggravation from easterly winds or storms. 

On the skin there is more or less tendency to soreness in the 
folds back of the ears, between the thighs, etc., especially when 
associated with sour sweat. 

It is of value for warts (208), small flat, or horny, that appear 
on the eyelids, tip of nose, hands and fingers, especially on the 
tips of the fingers and about the nails. 

The acids, Cojf. cr., and Phos., are incompatible with Causti- 
cum. 

I use Causticum 3d. 



CEDRON. 369 

CEANOTHUS. 

New Jersey Tea — Red Root. 

(Ceanothus — Keavw0os, keanothos, a kind of thistle.) 

This indigenous shrub " derives its common name from the 
fact that during the Revolution, when Chinese tea could not be 
procured, it was used as a substitute" (Hale). Even to-day 
uncomplimentary remarks are made concerning our neighboring 
State. 

Ceanothus has received but fragmentary provings, that by 
Dr. J. C. Burnett, of England, in 1879, being among the first. 

Chronic inflammation and hypertrophy of the spleen (173) 
seems to be the especial province of the remedy. There may be 
pain or not and sometimes there is extreme dyspnoea. 

For clinical reports of its use, see Dr. Burnett's article as 
quoted in Hale's New Remedies. 

CEDRON. 

(Cedron — cedrus, cedar.) 

The seeds of this tree, which is native of the Republic of 
Colombia, were first proved by Dr. Teste, of France. 

Allen, in the Handbook, says: "Too little is positively known," 
about this remedy, "to enable one to judge of its general sphere 
of action, but it seems to produce well-marked symptoms of in- 
termittent neuralgia, and, indeed, of regularly recurring febrile 
attacks. It has proved curative in marsh malaria characterized 
by severe pains recurring periodically." 

Periodicity of the symptoms, clock-like regularity of the return 
of its aches and pains, is its great characteristic. 

For the first ten years of my medical life I looked upon Cedron 
as of little or no value; then I prescribed it, for the first time, 
on the following case and found that I had entertained an en- 
tirely erroneous view of the remedy. 

Headache, r.-sided, coming on every day at 9 a. m. The pain 
was severe and lasted until noon, or a little past. 

The patient commented upon the regularity of its return. 
She felt all right in the early morning but at nine o'clock the pain 



370 MATERIA MEDICA. 

would begin and she would have to drop everything and go to bed. 
As soon as the pain was over she felt like herself again until nine 
the next morning. 

This had lasted for a week, when she was given Cedron 3d. 
The next day the headache was much less severe, and the follow- 
ing day there was none. 

The r. side is especially apt to be affected in Cedron, and it is 
a useful remedy in ciliary (75), supraorbital (76) and facial 
neuralgias (80), either or all coming on regularly (79) at about 
9 a. m. and lasting a few hours. 

These neuralgias may (104) or may not be associated with a 
malarial paroxysm. 

With the ciliary neuralgia, we have pains shooting into the 
nose, causing flow of scalding water from eyes and nose. We 
may find ciliary neuralgia after sewing on black dress goods. 

In intermittent fever, besides the regular recurrence of the 
paroxysm and the headache or neuralgia preceding (104), we 
have numbness or a dead feeling in the limbs, or with the head- 
ache simply, the whole body may feel numb. 

"The chill or chilliness of the paroxysm predominates (121) 
but no stage of the paroxysm is ' clear-cut' or well marked" (H. C. 
Allen). The majority of the pathogenetic symptoms give 6 p. m. 
as the time for the onset of the chill; H. C. Allen gives 3 p. m. 
as more characteristic. 

I use Cedron 6th. 

CERIUM OXALATE. 

The metal cerium is never found isolated and this drug contains 
in addition the oxalates of at least the two metals lanthanum and 
didymium. 

The old school use Cerium oxalate "to restrain vomiting arising 
from various causes, especially from pregnancy" (Bartholow). 
They do not seem especially enthusiastic over it, contenting 
themselves, seemingly, with the thought that if it does no good, 
it does not make the patient worse. 

It has not been proved and we are not apt to use it except 
when other remedies fail. 



CHAMOMILLA. 371 

Hale says: "My experience with it is that in the worst cases 
of vomiting of food, half-digested matters, mixed or not with 
blood, with great pain during or after vomiting, it sometimes 
affords relief ... I have obtained the best results from the 1st 
decimal trituration." 

CHAMOMILLA. 

German or Common Chamomile. 

(Chamomilla — Xa/xai, chamai, earth; fxiXov, melon, apple, so 
called from the apple-like smell of the flower.) 

Chamomilla was first proved by Hahnemann, who recommends 
its use in the 12th, and says that it "has not a long duration of 
action." 

"The fact," says Dunham, "that Chamomilla exalts the general 
susceptibility, causing pains to be felt very keenly, so that a pain 
which might be supposed to be only moderately severe is, to 
the patient, intolerable," furnishes us with the most characteristic 
symptom and the keynote for the use of the remedy. 

The disposition is peevish, impatient and restless (160), with 
excessive susceptibility to pain (148) and is accompanied by the 
statement, made by speech, expression or pantomime, that she 
can't stand it any longer. 

The Chamomilla patient would like to dismiss her doctor before 
he had made his first prescription, so impatient is she, and you 
can interpret as you please, Hahnemann's statement that it "is 
less beneficial to those who remain patient and composed under 
their sufferings." 

It is primarily a remedy for infants and secondarily for grown- 
ups who act like babies. 

Children are extremely cross, irritable and whining. They 
want this and they want that, but when offered it, either will 
not take it or push it away in anger, and no matter the lateness 
of the hour, or your previous condition of fatigue, the only way 
that they can be comforted and kept from crying is to walk the 
floor with them, when they will smile and coo, say "pretty papa" 
and act like perfect little angels. The young father of the comic 
paper unquestionably had a Chamomilla baby. 
25 



372 MATERIA AIEDICA. 

Older patients requiring ChamomiHa are peevish and impatient 

and extremely sensitive to pain, so that they speak . : the slight- 
est twinge as unbearable (148). 

It is of value for people suffering from the excessive use of 
coffee, '''when the symptoms do not rather point to Xux 
(Hahnemann), and : i the se who have been in the habit of ts king 
opium, bromide, etc., for the relief of pain, nervousness >i sleep- 
lessness. Hering says: "As long ago as 1830, I gave Chen 
in cases spoiled by the use of opium or morphia. ::: lea i- as an in- 
tercurrent before giving ::her remedies, and mostly with brilliant 
results." 

Without the mental symptoms, ChamomHIa will seldom be 
called for: but with them it will be found valuable in a great 
variety of neuralgias, painful diseases and hysterical conditions, 
even if other indications pointing to the remedy are wanting; 
it will at least change the aspect of the case and make it more 
amenable to treatment. 

There is a general aggravation of the pains at night and from 
warmth (S). When the pains are severe there is an inability 
to keep quiet : she will toss about in bed. wring her hands or get 
up and walk the floor (10) insisting upon instant relief. 

villa is of value for convulsions in children, especially 
with the characteristic symptom of redness of one cheek while 
the >ther is pale 27) and usually associated with ho: sweat. 
These convulsions may be due to teething (187), to excitement 
or anger or "from a fit of anger in the mother previous to nursing 
the child*' (Lflienthal). 

It is of value in earache (63) and toothache 1S7 . a= well as 
in various neuralgias of the face, with the intolerance of the pain 
and aggravation from heat. In the distress :: teething children 
1ST , it is :: nstant use. with the mental distress and peevish- 
ness ; : :hara?ter:stio :: :hr remedy. 

Anger often plays an important part as the cause for many 
a condition calling for 01 Convulsions have already 

beet: =::hrn :■:: ::„er morbid ; ::~t: resulting from anger are, 
flatulent colic and indigestion 177 diarrhoea, menstrual colic, 
threatening miscarriage 13) and suppression of milk. 



CHAMOMILLA. 373 

The diarrhoea of Chamomilla is green (59), slimy, mucous; 
often changeable in color, looking like chopped eggs and spinach, 
or like scrambled eggs (58), or undigested. This diarrhoea is 
found in children during teething (58) or as the result of taking 
cold; it is usually hot and offensive, smelling like rotten eggs 
(59), and is associated with colic. 

Chamomilla is a valuable remedy for too early and too pro- 
fuse menstruation (135) or uterine haemorrhages, associated with 
bearing down or labor-like pains. Minton says, the patient is 
"very irritable and peevish, snaps at everybody," especially be- 
fore menstruation. The flow is intermittent, dark and clotted 
(136) and offensive (137). Sometimes there is a constant oozing 
of dark blood, with occasional gushes (137) of bright blood. 

During labor we find frequent use for Chamomilla, with rigidity 
of the os (154) and spasmodic pains extending down the thighs, 
but in particular with the great mental excitement and the 
intolerance of the pains that they tell you they cannot stand 
any longer. It is also of value for severe after-pains (153), especi- 
ally when they extend down the thighs and are associated with 
the great nervous excitement so characteristic of the remedy. 

Concerning the use of Chamomilla in catarrhal croup, with 
hoarseness and rawness in the -larynx and suffocative attacks, 
as mentioned in the Handbook, I cannot tell you, never having 
used the remedy in this condition; but I do know of its value in 
bronchitis, with free expectoration of mucus, especially in chil- 
dren, and in particular when it has lasted some time, is in the 
catarrhal stage, and nothing that you have given heretofore 
has seemed able to finish up and cure the case. 

The arms go to sleep (71) when grasping anything firmly, 
under Chamomilla, and the extremities and joints feel sore and 
bruised. 

It is to be thought of in rheumatism and rheumatoid pains 
that are violent and unbearable, making the patient wild, so 
that he walks about in distress (10) and it is useful for the 
sleeplessness of children, who instead of being quiet, insist upon 
being carried; here you and not the patient will get wild and 



374 MATERIA MEDICA. 

walk the floor in distress. It is valuable for sleeplessness (169), 
in young or old, when they lie awake on account of severe pain. 

Aeon., Coff. cr., Ign., Nux v. act as antidotes, and Zinc, is in- 
compatible with Chamomilla. 

I use Chamomilla 1st for adults, and 6th for children, given 
directly or through the mother's milk. 

CHELIDONIUM. 

SWALLOWWOKT TeTTERWORT. 

(Chelidonium — XeAiSov, chelidon, a swallow. 

This plant was so named on account of some resemblance of 
the pod or seeds to a flying swallow ; because it flowers at the time 
of the return of that bird; or because it was once supposed that 
when the eyes of young swallows became, through injury or 
otherwise, affected with a white film, the parent birds gathered 
and applied the juice of this plant and so cured the trouble. 
Tetterwort (tetter, a skin eruption), so-called from its employ- 
ment in cutaneous diseases.) 

The European or Chelidonium majus is naturalized in the 
United States, and, according to Millspaugh, is at the present 
time "not found growing at any great distance from dwellings." 

"A fine gamboge-yellow, acrid juice, pervades the plant, root, 
stem and leaves. This fact led those who practiced upon the 
doctrine of signatures" (where the peculiarities of form and 
color of plants indicated in what diseases or part of the body 
they would prove curative) "to employ the drug in hepatic dis- 
orders, from its resemblance to bile in color. It proved one of 
the hits of that practice" (Millspaugh). 

Hahnemann, who first proved this remedy, in commenting on 
this ancient method of prescribing, says: "The importance of 
human health does not admit of any such uncertain directions 
for the employment of medicines. It would be criminal frivolity 
to rest contented with such guesswork at the bedside of the sick. 

"Only that which the drugs themselves unequivocally reveal 
of their peculiar powers in their effects on the healthy human 
body — that is to say, only their pure symptoms — can teach us 



CHELIDONIUM. 375 

loudly and clearly when they can be advantageously used with 
certainty; and this is when they are administered in morbid 
states very similar to those they are able to produce on the 
healthy human body" (Mat. Med. Pura). 

The most prominent action of Chelidonium is upon the liver, 
with symptoms of congestion, inflammation and jaundice, of 
disturbed function of the bowels and kidneys and sympathetic 
affections of the r. lung. 

It is a r.-sided remedy (163) and in the majority of cases in 
which it is prescribed you will find more or less hepatic disorder 
and pain beneath the angle of the r. scapula. 

Chelidonium "has a narcotic action on the nervous system" 
(Millspaugh), and mentally we find great lethargy, sleepiness, 
debility, weariness and indisposition to make any effort. A 
pathogenetic symptom reads, " horror of movement." 

The Chelidonium patient is apt to grow very forgetful (133), 
imagines that she cannot think and that she will lose her reason 
(120) and in melancholia, associated with enlarged liver and 
jaundice she is anxious and uneasy, with fears of having committed 
a crime (53) or "the unpardonable sin" (Hering). 

It is a remedy to be thought of in convulsions due to indiges- 
tion (36). 

Vertigo is very marked, noticed especially on rising up in bed 
(207) or from a chair, or "on closing the eyes" (Hering) (207), 
with inclination to fall forward, and associated with jaundice 
and bilious vomiting. 

R.-sided headaches are the rule in Chelidonium, often neural- 
gic, usually associated with hepatic symptoms (95) and bilious 
vomiting (97). These headaches begin somewhere in the r. 
side, extend down behind the ear and generally to the r. shoulder- 
blade, where they become seated. 

We also have violent neuralgic headaches in the r. side of 
the head, affecting especially the r. eye and ear and r. cheek- 
bone, with sharp cutting pains. When the pains are located in 
or over the r. eye (76) there is usually profuse lachrymation 
(104). 

There is a feeling of heaviness in the occiput (107) so that 



376 MATERIA MEDICA. 

one can hardly raise the head from the pillow, and Lippe gives, 
"sensation of coldness in the occiput (90), ascending from the 
nape of the neck." 

There are many interesting conditions in Chelidonium in refer- 
ence to the stomach and liver; interesting, provided the muzzle 
of the gun is not pointed in your direction. The whites of the 
eyes, the forehead, nose and cheeks, and the tongue are yellow 
(122), in gastric and hepatic disturbances, and the tongue shows 
the imprint of the teeth along the margins (192). The taste is 
bitter (186), there is a bad odor from the mouth and an accumu- 
lation of tough mucus. 

We have gastric catarrh (178), with nausea and vomiting, 
coated tongue, bitter taste, etc., and bilious colic, with violent 
pain in the region of the stomach, going through to the back 
(180) and r. shoulder-blade, or over towards the liver. Generally 
the gastric disturbances are relieved temporarily by eating 
(174), with preference for hot drinks and hot food. Sometimes 
very hot water relieves the vomiting for a time. 

Chelidonium is of value in enlargement and congestion of the 
liver, with sticking pains, bloated abdomen and pain under the 
angle of the r. shoulder-blade; usually with jaundice (122), 
heavily coated tongue, showing the imprint of the teeth (192), 
bitter taste, etc. 

A sensation in the umbilical region, sometimes noticed in liver 
troubles, is as if the abdomen were constricted by a string (165). 
In all the gastric, intestinal and hepatic affections of the remedy, 
the pains are worse on the r. side and generally become seated 
under the angle of the r. scapula (163). 

While the urine is usually dark yellow or brown, with sedi- 
ment when fresh, we may have, in jaundice, clear, offensive urine 
and dark stools. 

The diarrhoea is of thin, bright-yellow or white (58), pasty 
stools, or we have alternations of diarrhoea and constipation 
(58), in general associated with jaundice (122) and disturbances 
of the liver, or with symptoms of intestinal catarrh. 

In Chelidonium, says Hahnemann, there is a longing for milk, 
which agrees well with him and does not produce the usual flatu- 



CHIMAPHILA. 377 

lence; and with the diarrhoea there may be a desire for milk 
(57) or hot drinks. 

The cough is loose and rattling (45), with expectoration that 
is profuse but difficult to loosen. The cough is often spoken of 
as racking, partly because of the difficulty in raising the mucus 
and partly because of the pain we are apt to have, when cough- 
iig, in the r. side of the chest (49) and under the angle of the 
r. scapula. These pains are especially noticed in a severe bron- 
chitis, broncho-pneumonia (151) or pneumonia associated with 
li\er troubles. It is to be thought of in particular in r.-sided 
pmumonia. 

There are numerous rheumatic pains in Chelidonium, those in 
the upper extremities being especially associated with hepatic 
derangements. In the upper extremities, on both sides, but 
especially the r., we have pain in the shoulders, arms and tips of 
fingeis (161), with yellowness of fingers and coldness, and blue 
fingernails. The flesh is sore to touch and while there is perspi- 
ration there is no relief of the pains from sweat (185). 

In tie lower extremities the r. is more apt to be affected, and 
we find the pains in the hip, thigh and knee (125), frequently with 
stiffness of the r. leg as if it were paralyzed. 

In reference to the itching to be found under Chelidonium and 
associated with jaundice or other liver symptoms, Dearborn 
says it i^ " better after eating." 

I use Chelidonium 3d. 

CHIMAPHILA. 

PlPSISSEWA. 

(Chimcphila — Xcl/mi, cheima, winter; <E>tA<o, philo, loving. 
Pipsisseva, the North American Indian name.) 

Chimaohila is a hardy little evergreen, that seeks the shaded 
portion d our woods and blossoms in June or July. It was first 
used by >ur Indians "as a tonic and diuretic, as well as for rheu- 
matic ani scrofulous disorders" (Millspaugh). 

Allen n the Encyclop. gives Dr. S. A. Jones the credit of in- 
troducing it into our materia medica. 



378 ' MATERIA MEDICA. 

The especial sphere of action of this remedy seems to be on 
the bladder and secondarily on the kidneys. It is useful in both 
acute and chronic cystitis, the urine scanty, offensive and turbid, 
containing thick ropy (199), or bloody mucus and depositing a 
copious muco-purulent sediment. 

There is frequent desire to urinate but it is difficult to start 
the stream and the patient must strain a good deal before (200) 
as well as after micturition. There is burning and scalding on 
urinating (194). 

It has been used for suppression of urine in infants, and for 
acute or chronic prostatitis (loo), with retention of urine anc a 
feeling of a ball in the perineum when sitting. 

I have never used Chimaphila other than in the tincture. 

CHINA. 

Cixchona Calisaya — Yellow Peruviax Bark. 

Cinchona derives its name from the Countess of Cinchon wife 
of the Viceroy of Peru, who was the means of introduciig the 
Peruvian bark in Europe, in 1640, for the cure of internittent 
fever. 

" Cinchona contains five alkaloids, two simple acids, twi tannic 
acids and a resinoid substance'' (Bartholow) and we tale them 
all in a dose of China. (China is old continental medial Latin 
for bark.) 

The alkaloid quinia, which is found most abunclan in the 
yellow or calisaya bark, is the one most frequently usee by the 
old school. It is insoluble in the saliva and soluble in combina- 
tion with the gastric juice, but the most active form is \ combi- 
nation of quinia and sulphuric acid, the ordinary quiniw. 

Hahnemann, perhaps, was the first to call attentioi to the 
fact that quinine was harmful when indulged in as a hibit, for, 
he says: " Excepting opium, I know no medicine that ias been 
more and oftener misused in disease, and employed to tie injury 
of mankind, than cinchona bark' 1 (Mat. Med. Pura). 

Everyone knows it now, and Ringer says: "The salts if quinia 
are protoplasmic poisons, arresting amoeboid and the allid move- 



CHINA. 379 

ments of the white corpuscles'' and destroying large numbers of 
them. 

Bartholow says: "Quinia also affects the function of the red- 
blood corpuscles as carriers of active oxygen (ozone) , and dimin- 
ishes the oxidizing power of the blood." 

While some old school authors question as to whether quinine 
lessens the excretion of urea, as it certainly does lessen the ex- 
cretion of uric acid, Allen claims that it does, saying that "it 
particularly retards the elimination of nitrogenous waste (urea 
and uric acid) and causes the retention and accumulation of 
effete products in the system." It is especially because of the 
waste material being retained instead of being thrown off by 
the system, that Allen considers the increased weight and sense 
of "tone" that may be found when one first begins to take 
quinine, but, as he says, "the ultimate result is deplorable." 

I do not feel that I am the one to speak to you in detail against 
the use of quinine. You have had it from others, and if you had 
not, I would not consider that I was competent to talk to you 
against it, for, although I have administered it on numerous 
occasions, it was given in ignorance and before I had begun the 
study of medicine. I would advise you, however, to read care- 
fully the article on quinine as found in any old school materia 
medica, not only that you may be enabled to advise your patients 
against its use, but also that you may decide, each one for him- 
self, if there are not sufficient arguments, all unconsciously pre- 
sented, to deter a scientific physician from using quinine on other 
than the homoeopathic indications. 

One of the prominent symptoms calling for China is weakness; 
a mental and physical exhaustion (155); a disinclination to make 
any mental effort; a general apathetic condition and indifference 
to what goes on about him, either low-spirited or irritable, but 
extremely weak. This debility, anaemia (15) or leucocythemia, 
is due especially to loss of fluids, and ranges all the way from pros- 
tration due to prolonged nursing (146), to excessive weakness 
from profuse night-sweats (185). 

Sensitiveness of all nerves (166) and acuteness of the senses, 
touch (166), hearing and smell, and associated with weakness, 
is another important condition calling for this remedy. 



380 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Periodicity is marked in China, the troubles recurring on 
certain hours, days or seasons. 

Mentally it is useful, says Talcott, for " melancholia and sub- 
acute mania when there are general anaemia, profound debility, 
and tendency to periodical aggravation of all the symptoms." 

Talcott also says: " Patients are sometimes sent to insane 
asylums because they have been made insane, in my opinion, 
not alone by the diseases from which they suffered, but also by 
a blind, reckless and unwarrantable use of Cinchona, or its alka- 
loids, given in overpowering and disastrous doses. "Cinchona, 
if unwisely used, may become as dangerous in its effects as the 
excessive use of alcoholic stimulants." 

One of the first symptoms noticed from taking quinine is severe 
headache and roaring in the ears. 

In the headache for which we prescribe China there is a throb- 
bing (102), bursting pain (104), noticed especially in the temples 
and associated with great sensitiveness of the scalp to touch 
(91), with pain when the hair is moved. Sometimes we have 
a sensation as if the brain beat in waves against the skull (106), 
or as if it were moving back and forth and hitting against the 
sides of the skull. It is useful for violent anaemic headache 
(93) due to sexual excesses or after loss of blood, a hammering 
headache (102), better from hard pressure (92), worse from 
slightest touch, and associated with vertigo and flickering before 
the eyes (77). 

Large doses of quinine often dim the vision and sometimes 
cause total temporary blindness, and China is useful in retinal 
asthenopia, with flickering before the eyes (77), for transient 
blindness, especially after sexual excesses or loss of other vital 
fluids, and for night-blindness (76). It is to be thought of for 
ciliary neuralgia (75) and supraorbital neuralgia, the pains 
worse from the slightest touch and with periodical aggravations, 
frequently associated with (104) or following malaria. 

Tinnitus aurium is one of the usual symptoms of cinchonism 
and China is of value for ringing and roaring in the ears (65), 
with loss of hearing, especially when associated with anaemia. 
We also have intolerance to loud noises and sensitiveness of the 



CHINA. 381 

external ear to touch, as well as neuralgic pains in the ears (63), 
worse from the least pressure. 

Remember China in nosebleed in ansemic people, with ringing 
in the ears and for nosebleed relieving a severe throbbing head- 
ache (102). 

The toothache calling for China is neuralgic, with the pains 
worse from slightly touching the teeth and better from clenching 
them tightly (187). 

China is a remedy to be thought of for chronic salivation (163), 
due to mercurial poisoning (139). 

"Quinine" says Bartholow, "on account of its bitter prin- 
ciples, two tannic acids, acts as a stomachic tonic; that is, it 
promotes the appetite, the flow of gastric juice and the digestive 
power. Long continued, as is the case with all bitters, it sets 
up a gastric catarrh and digestion becomes painful and labored." 

Ringer, in speaking on the same subject, says: " These alka- 
loids, if too long employed, disorder the stomach, producing heat 
and weight at the epigastrium, loss of appetite, nausea, sickness 
and even diarrhoea." 

These will do for the gross symptoms; to our provings we must 
look for the finer and differential symptoms and taking them 
altogether, we find China useful for the generic term, "dyspep- 
sia." There is loss of appetite and indifference to eating and 
drinking; there is a full feeling before they begin to eat (177), 
a feeling of constant satiety, but on eating there is a natural 
taste to food. 

There is a feeling of coldness in the stomach (178) and if they 
eat at all they desire plenty of condiments (9), sour things 
(9) and stimulants (9) to warm the stomach up and start 
digestion. Digestion is very slow (178), they feel an increased 
fulness even when eating only a little (177), which fulness lasts 
for a long time after a meal, and is associated with distention of 
the abdomen, bitter eructations (178) of food and often loud 
belchings without relief (181). 

It is useful in acid dyspepsia (178), with distention of the 
whole abdomen, much fermentation and rumbling (11) and pains 
of various sorts. There is fermentation after eating fruit and 



382 MATERIA MEDICA. 

heartburn (114) after drinking milk (6), with a constant full 
feeling and no relief from belching gas. 

In wasting diseases we may have voracious appetite (119) but 
with non-assimilation of food, undigested stools, rapid emacia- 
tion and copious night-sweats (185). It is useful for catarrh of 
the stomach (178) and for gastro-duodenal catarrh, with yellow 
coated tongue, a loathing of food yet canine hunger (119). In 
haemorrhage from the stomach, we would have extreme sensitive- 
ness of the stomach to touch (12) and great prostration, result- 
ing from the loss of blood. 

The spleen is enlarged (173), especially in chronic malarial 
poisoning and in jaundice (122) of nursing children, the abdomen 
is swollen, with enlarged liver and spleen. 

A great deal has been written concerning the use of China in 
gall-stone colic (82). If the pain is severe you may meet with 
success by giving the indicated remedy or you may be obliged 
to resort to the use of adjuvants, but the especial interest that 
attaches to China is that by its regular use, and the 6th potency 
is mentioned, one may permanently cure the tendency to gall- 
stone formation. 

The diarrhoea calling for China is usually painless and asso- 
ciated with great weakness and exhaustion (58), which may 
be noticed simply after the stool, or constantly as the result of 
the many movements. The abdomen is distended (13), with a 
great deal of fermentation and rumbling in the bowels (11) and 
there is a desire for acids and condiments. 

The stools contain undigested food (60), are sometimes in- 
voluntary when passing gas (59) and often of a cadaverous 
odor (59). There is aggravation directly after eating (57) 
and an aggravation at night, and frequently the movements are 
only at night, and after meals. 

It is of value for diarrhoea from fruit (57), with fermentation 
and emission of much fetid flatus, in the diarrhoea of phthisis 
(60) and in that occurring during or after debilitating diseases 
or from prolonged nursing. It is often advantageous in begin- 
ning the treatment for the cure of chronic diarrhoea, to give 
China for a day or two so as to relieve the condition of prostra- 



CHINA. 383 

tion. Remember that the diarrhoea of China is not only ex- 
hausting but is usually painless. 

In the male sexual sphere it is of value for weakness following 
nocturnal emissions (167) or other sexual excesses (167), amount- 
ing even to impotency (168). 

In the female the menses are too early and too profuse (135), 
usually dark and clotted (136), and followed by great exhaustion 
(138). We may find leucorrhcea that comes on instead of the 
menses (126), the leucorrhoea being bloody, fetid (126) and puru- 
lent and associated with great weakness. It is of great value for 
post-partum haemorrhage (152), due to atony of the uterus, with 
fainting, cold skin and other evidence of collapse (34) from the 
loss of blood. 

We find ovaritis resulting from sexual excesses or following 
haemorrhages, with extreme sensitiveness of the parts to touch 
(148). We also have a condition of general anaemia (15) due 
to prolonged nursing, in which this remedy is frequently indi- 
cated, as well as in haemorrhage from the lungs (27) while nurs- 
ing, or when nursing causes great weakness or prostration. 

China is of value for bronchorrhoea (26), with great prostra- 
tion, simulating the last stage of phthisis, with loud rales through- 
out the chest (45), with extreme sensitiveness of the chest 
(30) and intolerance of any pressure over it (29). It must be 
thought of when you fear that phthisis will develop after ex- 
hausted vitality or loss of fluids, and associated with profuse 
night-sweats (185). 

We may have cough after eating (41), and cough caused by 
laughing is mentioned prominently (41); in both conditions 
with more or less suffocation, as if the larynx were full of mucus. 
There is also a dry, hacking, nervous cough (46), worse, per- 
haps, in the morning, caused by irritation as from sulphur fumes 
(43), with dyspnoea, pain in the spleen, palpitation and intol- 
erance of tight clothing over the chest (29). 

Full doses of China, used in the proving, produced pain and 
tenderness in the vertebrae, especially in the dorsal region, and 
it is useful in spinal irritability (171), with extreme sensitiveness, 
the pain shooting up to the head when the spine is touched. 



384 MATERIA MEDICA. 

It has been used in locomotor ataxia (127), with numbness 
(146), but especially with a sensation as if cords were tied about 
the leg (165), or as if the garters were too tight and the legs were 
going to sleep (71). 

It is useful in hip-joint disease (117) where there is great pros- 
tration, due to prolonged suppuration, with diarrhoea and night- 
sweats, and for dropsy of the lower extremities, in anaemic con- 
ditions, with general sensitiveness of the surface of the body to 
the slightest touch (166). 

China presents an additional interest to us, quite apart from 
its remedial action in disease, for it was the first drug proved by 
Hahnemann. 

"In 1790, while engaged upon a translation of Cullen's Materia 
Medica, Hahnemann was struck by the contradictory properties 
ascribed to Peruvian bark and the various explanations that 
were given of its operation in intermittent fever. Dissatisfied 
with the latter, he resolved to try upon himself the effects of the 
medicine, and after several powerful doses, discovered symptoms 
analogous to those of intermittent fever. 

"The fact that a drug had produced upon a man in health the 
very symptoms which it was required to cure in a sick man imme- 
diately suggested to him the great law Similia Similibus Curan- 
tur" (T. F. Allen in Appleton's Cyclop.). 

It is well for us to remember that the detractors of Hahnemann 
who assert that he was not the discoverer of this law can find 
in the Org anon this sentence: "Indeed there have been physicians 
from time to time who had presentiments that medicines, by 
their power of producing analogous morbid symptoms, would 
cure analogous morbid conditions" (Wesselhoeft Translation, p. 
45). 

Hahnemann cites seven authors, from Hippocrates, or from 
one of the books attributed to him, to Stahl, a Danish physician, 
all of whom theorized more or less on the law. 

Hippocrates, after having explained the rules of healing by 
contraries, says: "Another proceeding; the disease is produced 
by similars, and by similars which the patient is made to take, 
he is restored from disease to health (Teste's Mat. Med.). 



CHINA. 385 

Stahl says: "The rule, which is admitted in medicine, of 
treating diseases by contraries or by remedies which are opposed 
to the effects of these maladies, is completely false and absurd. 
I am persuaded, on the contrary, that diseases yield to agents 
which determine a similar affection (similia similibus)" (Teste's 
Mat. Med.). 

Hahnemann, in a foot-note, says: "In citing the following 
passages of writers who have had some presentiment of homoeop- 
athy, I do not mean to prove the excellence of the method (which 
establishes itself without further proof), but I wish to free my- 
self from a reproach of having passed them over in silence to 
arrogate to myself the merit of the discovery." (Organon, trans- 
lated by C. H. Devrient, Esq., 1833). 

No, Hahnemann did not discover the law of cure and never 
claimed that he did, but by his proving of drugs on the healthy 
he succeeded in organizing a materia medica and made fruitful 
a law, " which had remained until then, an empty and unmean- 
ing formula" (Teste). 

Quinine, the chief reliance of the old school for all malarial 
conditions, will cure intermittent fever, and when it does, I 
believe it is because the case was one similar to that which 
quinine produces. In the great majority of cases, however, 
where it is given it simply suppresses the paroxysms for the time 
being. 

The intermittent fever for which we give China is one in which 
the paroxysm is fully developed, the three stages, chill, fever 
and sweat, being pronounced and there is an interval of time 
between the chill and fever, and between the fever and sweat. 
There is no special time that is characteristic for the paroxysm, 
as it may begin at any hour of the day. 

There are frequently severe headache (104) and pronounced 
thirst (121) preceding the chill; no thirst during the fever or chill 
but thirst during the sweat. The chill and fever are strongly 
marked and the sweat is profuse and debilitating. 

During the apyrexia there is great debility, soreness over the 
liver and spleen and ringing in the ears. 



386 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Ars., Carbo v., Ipec, Puis., Verat. a. are a few of the remedies 
that act as antidotes to China. 
I use China 1st. 

CHININUM ARSENICUM. 

Arsenate of Quinia. 

Chininum ars., a chemical combination of quinine and arsenic, 
has to a great extent a combination of China and Ars. symptoms, 
with prostration very marked. 

It is to be thought of in protracted diseases that show no ten- 
dency towards convalescence, and with great exhaustion as a 
pronounced feature. It has been a disappointment to me in 
this respect, as a tonic (156), and I much prefer the use of Ars. 
iod. 

Chin. ars. has been used in angina pectoris (107), the par- 
oxysms occurring periodically and associated with burning pain 
and great prostration, and for asthmatic attacks, during phthisis, 
recurring each day at the same hour. 

I have used Chin. ars. only in the 3x. 

CHININUM SULPHURICUM. 

Quinine Sulphate. 

In Chininum sulph., a remedy that I have never used, period- 
icity is a marked feature. 

In intermittent fever we would have the paroxysm recurring 
with great regularity at the same hour, with extreme sensitive- 
ness of the dorsal vertebrae to pressure (171), but in other re- 
spects very much like China. Hering gives as one symptom: 
" Distinct cold, hot and sweating stages, and perfect apyrexia." 

CHLORALUM. 

Chloral Hydrate. 

Chloral hydrate is formed by saturating absolute alcohol with 
chlorine gas to make chloral, and this combining with water gives 



CHLORUM. 387 

us the colorless crystals, one part of which dissolved in nine 
parts of water, represents our tincture, which, properly speaking, 
is the lx. 

Chloral hydrate, which is a powerful anodyne and hypnotic, 
was first proved for us by Dr. W. Eggert, of this country, the 
report being published in 1870. In 1874, Dr. D. A. Babcock, 
now of Fall River, Mass., proved it for his Graduating Thesis 
from this college. 

It is a heart depressant and paralyzer of the vaso-motor 
nerves and is the substance used for " knock-out drops." It 
produces a decided erythema, which is decidedly worse from 
alcoholic stimulants. 

Our use of it is limited, and the headache and the urticaria 
are the only conditions calling for it that we will mention. 

The headache is worse in the morning, aggravated by any 
motion (96) and relieved to a degree in the open air (92). 

The urticaria may follow, says Dearborn, the "free use of drinks 
or stimulants" and it is much worse at night than during the 
day. I have frequently used it with success, in the 1st, in 
urticaria (201) where over-indulgence at table was suspected 
but not proved. 

I use Chloral hydrate 1st. 

CHLORUM. 

Chlorine. 

Chlorurn, which was first proved by Hering in 1846, and first 
used in practice by Dunham, is prepared by saturating cold dis- 
tilled water with chlorine gas. 

Our tincture contains about one per cent, of chlorine gas. As 
it should be freshly prepared, or at least have the decided suf- 
focating odor, I use that prepared by the druggist, and it can be 
kept for some time in a rubber-stoppered bottle. 

The marked feature of Chlorurn, whether inhaled as gas or taken 
as a remedy to cure the condition, is a spasm of the glottis, which, 
while it permits of comparatively free inspiration (25), shuts 
26 



388 MATERIA MEDICA. 

down on the air that one wants to get rid of, Hering putting it, 
"air is admitted well enough, but its exit is prevented." 

Dunham reports as follows on the effects of washing the mouth 
with a solution of chlorine: "Scarcely had the liquid been re- 
ceived into my mouth, when I became sensible of a spasmodic 
action of some part of the respiratory organs of the following 
character: Inspiration icas unimpeded, and could be effected in the 
natural manner, but expiration was absolutely impossible. . . . 
not from any inability of the muscles of expiration, but from a 
closure of the rima glottidis; expiration being felt to be impossible, 
inspiration was again attempted, and was accomplished fully 
and easily, although the act was attended by a slight crowing 
noise: expiration, which was again attempted, was impossible, 
as before. By these successive operations the lungs became in- 
flated to a most painful degree, but so firmly did the glottis ap- 
pear to be closed that it seemed as though air might pass through 
any part of the thoracic walls more readily than by way of the 
larynx." 

We make effective use of this symptom in laryngismus strid- 
ulous and in asthma (19). 

Cldorum has been used in tj^phus fever (193), especially when 
the tongue was extremely dry; it seems to relieve the extreme 
prostration, the subsultus tendinum (183) and extreme dryness 
of the tongue. 

I use Cldorum in the tincture. 

CICUTA VIROSA. 

Water Hemlock of Northern Europe — Water Parsxip — 

Cowbaxe. 

(Cicuta, hemlock (Cent. Diet.), Millspaugh says: "The ancient 
Latin name, in reference to the hollow stems of this genus, the 
name Cicuta designating the hollow joints of reeds from which 
pipes were made." Virosa — virosus, poisonous or emitting a 
fetid odor.) 

The common names given to this European plant have been 
the source of much confusion. The American water hemlock, 



CICUTA VIROSA. 389 

Cicuta maculata, one of the most poisonous plants in the United 
States, and similar but probably different from its European name- 
sake, is one of our infrequently-used remedies. The Oregon 
water hemlock, Cicuta vagans, is also poisonous, but is not in- 
corporated into our materia medica. The (Enanthe crocata of 
Western Europe, one of our remedies, is also spoken of as the 
water hemlock and has been mistaken for the parsnip. The true 
water hemlock, because it grows in the water while Cicuta vir. 
grows on the banks of ponds and streams, is Phellandrium aqua- 
ticum, a remedy of great value in the last stage of phthisis, with 
very offensive expectoration. 

Many of the older writers have confounded Cicuta vir. with 
Conium maculatum. 

Hahnemann, who first proved Cicuta, was assisted by his son 
and two other pro vers. He says that the symptoms that he pre- 
sents "can only be regarded as a commencement of a thorough 
proving of the peculiar effects of this powerful plant in altering 
the human health" (Mat. Med. Pura). 

Many of his symptoms, and almost all of the pathogenetic 
ones that have been added since, are from cases of poisoning 
where the root has been mistaken for parsnip, and in Allen's 
Encyclop. there is one case recorded where seven children ate 
the root. The mistake in thinking this root a parsnip has resulted 
in death in several instances. 

It is quite likely that you will give Cicuta to the first child 
that you are unfortunate enough to see in a convulsion, for it 
is usually the first remedy to come to one's mind, as in the ma- 
jority of cases where it is prescribed there will be a convulsion 
or at least a spasm. 

The convulsions for which we give the remedy are from various 
causes, among which are injuries, including concussion of the 
brain, epilepsy (66), worms (36), indigestion (36), during 
and after labor (155) and from opium, for which it is more or less 
of an antidote. 

They are chorea-like, epileptiform, tonic and tetanic, with 
insensibility, staring eyes, and jerking of the eyeballs, muscles 
of the face and even of the whole body, with the face congested, 



390 MATERIA MEDICA. 

hot and sweaty; or with the convulsions we have violent opis- 
thotonos, tetanic rigidity of the whole body, eyes fixed at one 
point, jaws locked, frothing at the mouth and spasmodic breath- 
ing; a distressing picture whichever form presents itself. 

The spasms may be precipitated or renewed by touch, noise 
or jar, and are always followed by great exhaustion. When due 
to indigestion or gastralgia, the convulsions may be preceded 
by vertigo and muscular twitchings, or by sudden violent shocks 
of pain through the head and whole body, accompanied by 
jerkings. 

In the delirium calling for this remedy, there is either a happy, 
child-like state, with singing, dancing and playing with toys; a 
quiet delirium, with great mistrust towards everyone; or great 
agitation and violence, with red and sweaty face, weeping and 
howling. 

Cicuta has not only proved useful for the effects of concussion 
of the brain and spine, but also for basilar or tubercular menin- 
gitis (133) and cerebro-spinal meningitis (133), and many cases 
of the latter have been cured by this remedy. 

It has proved beneficial in commencing strabismus in children, 
especially if periodic and spasmodic, as well as for strabismus 
caused by convulsions or "occurring after a fall or a blow" 
(Hering). During a convulsion the pupils are usually dilated 
(76). 

In the ears we find haemorrhages due to cerebral troubles, com- 
plete deafness, with cerebro-spinal meningitis, and deafness in 
old people, with sudden loud reports in ears, especially on swal- 
lowing (64). 

With the convulsions calling for this remedy we frequently 
notice loud hiccough (116), with spasm of the pectoral muscles 
and great difficulty in breathing. 

Cicuta has proved of value in spasmodic constriction of the 
oesophagus from worms (208) or for constriction after injuries 
to the oesophagus, with inability to swallow and strangling on 
attempting it. 

In the heart we have either a trembling palpitation (109) or a 
sensation as if it had stopped beating (113). 



CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA. 391 

The menses are apt to be delayed and associated with spas- 
modic affections, and it has been used with success for neuralgia 
of the coccyx worse during menstruation. 

The Cicuta child or young girl may have great appetite or 
indifference to food, or an unnatural appetite with longing for 
coal and eating it (9). 

The skin lesions calling for this remedy are situated especially 
on the head and face and found particularly in neurotic children. 
We find suppurating eruptions and pustules about the size of a 
pea, which tend to coalesce and form thick yellow crusts. These 
crusts, which form on the scalp, face and corners of the mouth, 
become loose and " fatty" (66). There is some itching and 
burning, with aggravation on touch. 

I use Cicuta 3d. 

CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA. 

ACT.EA RACEMOSA. 

(Cimicifuga — cimex, bug; fugare, to drive away, a genus of 
drugs containing the bugworts or bugbanes. Racemosa — racemus, 
cluster, as of grapes — in reference to its fruit. Actcea — d/o-ea, 
aktea, the elder tree, the leaves looking like those of the elder.) 

The two names, Cimicifuga and Actcea racemosa, we must 
know, as they are often used indiscriminately. In Hering it will 
be found under Aetata racemosa, the reason he gives for it being, 
that the drug "has received so many improper names that the 
oldest one is preferred." 

Macrotis is another name that pharmacists used to put on our 
bottles of Cimicifuga. It is a wrong term and we want to re- 
member that Macrotin or Cimicifugin is an impure resinoid, and 
not an alkaloid of Cimicifuga. 

As various scientists have seen fit to call this plant by different 
names, laymen have felt privileged to do the same, and we find 
Black cohosh, Black snake-root, Squaio root and Bugbane some of 
the terms by which it is known. 

Cimicifuga, a native plant and "common over the eastern half 
of the United States and Canada, was a favorite remedy among 



392 MATERIA MEDICA. 

all tribes of our Indians, being used in rheumatism, disorders of 
menstruation and slow parturition. It was also used as a remedy 
against the bites of venomous snakes, with what success history 
does not relate, but we can easily judge " (Millspaugh). 

Hale, in his introduction to Cimicifuga, says: "We now come 
to speak of one of the most important of all the new remedies. 
It is to the new, what Ignatia w T as and is to the Materia Medica 
of Hahnemann. Its range of action is quite extensive; it has 
been quite thoroughly proven; the clinical experience with it is 
already large and it has large possibilities for future develop- 
ment." 

It was perhaps first proved under the direction of Dr. C. J. 
Hempel, of Philadelphia, about 1856. 

Cimicifuga seems to exert a marked action on the spinal nerves, 
especially at the upper part of the cord, with symptoms of men- 
ingeal irritation, inflammation, neuritis and neuralgias, with 
muscular spasms, tremors, etc. 

It has been found to control many conditions of the uterus 
and ovaries, such as neuralgias and even inflammations, and 
especially reflex neuralgias in various parts of the body depend- 
ing on ovarian and uterine troubles. 

We find the following in Hering: "The observation that a drug 
may produce different symptoms on the different sexes, is of 
the utmost importance for the scientific development of our 
Materia Medica. Professors Hill and Douglas state in their 
valuable report of provings with Actcea racemosa: 'It produced 
nausea, vomiting, and much gastric irritation in the six women, 
while in forty men it was hardly noticed as affecting the stomach 
in the least.' Being an important remedy in morning sickness 
of the pregnant, we may conclude that all the gastric symptoms 
observed by female pro vers depended on the uterus." 

Another sphere of usefulness in Cimicifuga is for muscular 
rheumatism, with aggravation from motion, but with great rest- 
lessness (160). 

Mentally we find Cimicifuga useful in " mental depression as- 
sociated with uterine diseases or accompanied by rheumatic 
pains, and it is indicated in general paresis (149) when the 



CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA. 393 

patient is weak and exceedingly tremulous (192) throughout the 
whole body, and particularly in the melancholic stage of the dis- 
ease' 7 (Talcott). 

It is to be thought of in puerperal melancholia (131), with 
sleeplessness, sighing (25) and moaning all the time, and in 
insanity in the form of melancholia, she is suspicious, apprehen- 
sive and talks of becoming crazy (131). 

It is useful in delirium, with excessive restlessness, twitching 
of tendons (183) and sudden startings up. He sees rats or 
vermin where there are none (54), " cannot sit long in one place 
as it makes him frantic" (Lilienthal) and is constantly talking 
(55) and changing from one subject to another. 

With these symptoms Cimicifuga is useful in delirium tremens 
(54) and in puerperal mania (129), but the two marked charac- 
teristics of the remedy in delirium or insanity are the pronounced 
mental and physical restlessness (160); the patient talks con- 
tinually but never for long at a time on the same subject, and is 
constantly shifting his position and moving about. 

Cimicifuga is an important headache remedy and has pro- 
nounced and characteristic symptoms. The headaches may 
be rheumatic, as from being in a draft, neuralgic, or a reflex 
neuralgia (103) due to some uterine disturbance, such as men- 
struation (95), or they may be associated with symptoms of 
inflammation of the meninges of the brain and spine. 

In general, the headaches affect the base of the occiput, or they 
begin at that point (100). Sometimes the pain shoots from the 
occiput up to the vertex and down the spine, and usually we find 
an aggravation from bending the head forward (98), as it seems 
to pull upon the spine, and with relief from bending backward, 
or from pressure in the back of the neck from the hand or from 
something hard (92). Sometimes there is a feeling as if a bolt 
were driven from the neck up to the vertex, with every beat of 
the heart. With the neuralgic headaches we may have a feeling 
as if the top of the head would fly off, or as if it were being lifted 
up (103). 

Usually with the headaches of Cimicifuga there is rheumatic 
stiffness of the muscles of the neck, with distress on moving the 



394 MATERIA MEDICA. 

head and it is useful in stiff-neck from catching cold (174), with 
or without the accompanying headache. 

It is useful in ciliary neuralgia (75), with a feeling as if the 
eyeballs were enlarged (77) and with pains shooting into the 
head. These pains are very severe, and especially worse at 
night; the pains may extend from the occiput to the eyes, or 
from the eyes to the top of the head. 

In facial neuralgia, either of rheumatic origin or associated 
with uterine disturbances, the "pain goes off at night" (Hering) 
and reappears again the next day (79). 

Cimicifuga is the first remedy that I think of in rheumatic 
sore throat (162). The pains are worse in the morning on wak- 
ing and on first swallowing, better after repeated swallowing or 
towards the end of the meal. If the 1. side of the throat seems 
to be the most painful, it is an additional indication for this 
remedy. 

We have said but little under Cimicifuga concerning the side 
of the body for which the drug seems to show a preference and 
while either side, in many conditions, may be affected, we can 
look upon it as a 1. -sided remed}^ (125). 

This is especially noticed in the chorea (31) for which we pre- 
scribe the remedy, where the muscles of the 1. side are particu- 
larly affected, and if in the stiff-neck the pains are worse on the 
1. side, or run down towards the 1. shoulder, it is an additional 
reason for thinking of this remedy. 

Cimicifuga is useful in nausea and vomiting in uterine affec- 
tions, including pregnancy (153), or when caused by pressure 
on the spine (171) and cervical region. 

It is of value in neuralgia of the uterus (202) and ovaries 
(147), with great tenderness and bearing-down sensation, and 
pains shooting up the sides, down the thighs and across the 
lower part of the abdomen. The 1. ovary (147) is especially 
affected and along with great tenderness (148), we have pains 
shooting up the side and particularly down the 1. thigh. 

Menstruation under Cimicifuga may be irregular or suppressed, 
with great pain, and hysterical symptoms (120) or epileptiform 
spasms (67) at the period; or the menses may be too early and 



CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA. 395 

too profuse (135), the blood dark and clotted (136), and with 
severe pain in the back, extending through hips and down the 
thighs. 

During the latter part and termination of pregnancy, we find 
Cimicifuga a frequently indicated remedy. 

It is useful in threatening miscarriage (13), the pains fly about 
and across the abdomen, associated with fainting spells, and 
Lilienthal advises it for "habitual abortion in women of rheu- 
matic tendencies." It is valuable for the false pains (153) be- 
fore parturition and for the pains during labor when they do not 
force downward, but extend across the abdomen and upward 
into the sides. 

During labor there are many nervous or hysterical symptoms, 
along with rigidity of the os (154). Hering speaks of nervous 
shuddering, "shivers," during the "first stage of labor." 

Dr. W. A. Dewey in his lecture to us in 1904, made this valu- 
able differentiation between Cimicifuga and Caul.: 

" Cimicifuga pictures tonicity, tonic spasms; the labor pains 
are tonic, they are the kind that occur during the first stage, and 
they are located more in the back. 

" Caulophyllum pictures more of a clonic condition which gives 
way at once to atony; there may be some spasm and cramping 
above the pubes, but it soon passes off and there is weakness and 
inertia. This condition is found later in labor, and the atony 
makes haemorrhage likely to occur." 

Cimicifuga is very frequently called for in after-pains (153) 
which are severe and apt to run down the thigh. The patient 
becomes very sensitive, grows extremely nervous and declares 
that she cannot bear them. 

A symptom of Cimicifuga that I have never made use of is 
tickling in larynx, worse speaking (43), causing inclination to 
cough, or nervous cough (46), excited by every attempt to 
speak. 

It is to be thought of for neuralgia of the diaphragm (56) , 
with sharp pains, "worse by deep inspiration, coughing and 
lying down" (Lilienthal). 

It is of value in pleurodynia or intercostal neuralgia (120) ; 



396 MATERIA MEDICA. 

either side may be affected, the 1. especially, and in women with 
uterine troubles, the 1. side in particular. In women also, we 
often find the remedy indicated in a catching pain about the 
heart preventing respiration, with palpitation (111) and faint- 
ness. In angina pectoris (107) calling for this remedy, we have 
pain or numbness of the 1. arm (110), with irregular, trembling- 
pulse (109) and tremulous action of the heart. 

Cimicifuga is of great value in rheumatic affections of the 
muscles of the back. This lumbago is especially caused from a 
strain (173), bending over to pack a trunk, for instance, from 
catching cold or from getting wet, with stiffness, worse from 
motion and with relief from lying flat on the back. There is 
great restlessness (160) and pains running from the small of the 
back down the thighs (128), especially the left. 

A word as to the. aggravation from motion in the rheumatic 
pains under Cimicifuga. It is not the aggravation of Bryonia, 
the afraid-to-move-for-fear-it-will-hurt condition, but more like 
that found under Rhus tox., where it hurts on first beginning to 
move. It is said that there is not as much relief from continued 
motion in Cimicifuga as in Rhus tox., but to my understanding 
they are very similar in that respect. 

Cimicifuga is one of the remedies recommended for sleepless- 
ness (170) in delirium tremens (54) but in this case Macrotin, 
the resinoid of Cimicifuga, seems to work better. 

Talcott speaks of Cimicifuga for the " sleeplessness of former 
opium eaters." 

I use Cimicifuga 30th. 

CINA. 

WORMSEED. 

As the authorities that I have consulted differ as to the name 
of this plant, let us, until we are shown our error, consider Cina 
as the Artemesia santonica, or European wormseed, and San- 
toninum as the Russian or Asiatic Artemesia pauciflora. Cina 
derived its popular name, wormseed, from its use for centuries 
as a vermifuge, and we use it, not for its mechanical but for its 



CINA. 397 

curative effects, for Hahnemann, who first proved it, found that 
it produced on the healthy human body, those symptoms that 
would lead one to suspect the presence of round worms, or the 
seat, pin or thread worms. 

These symptoms are " fretfulness, ravenous appetite and swol- 
len abdomen, itching of the nose and anus, frequent micturition, 
restless sleep and twitchings in various parts of the body" 
(Hughes). 

It must not be forgotten, as Dr. Deschere has already expressed 
it, that where symptoms like those of helminthiasis present 
themselves, Cina will cure whether worms are present or not 
(208). 

It is especially in children that we find the most frequent call 
for this remedy and the child who needs it is a little devil, as 
far as temper is concerned. That I may not seem to exaggerate, 
I quote the symptoms: "Children become very fretful, cannot be 
pleased; cannot be quieted by any persuasion; proof against all 
caresses and though very weak when sick, they are very cross 
and obstinate and strike everybody." 

We have a stupefying headache in Cina, worse in the occiput 
(100) and associated with vertigo that is relieved by lying down 
(207), and it is a remedy to be thought of for cerebral symptoms 
of meningeal irritability, especially in children suffering from 
worms, particularly with swollen and hot abdomen. It is of 
value for strabismus depending upon worms, especially when the 
child has a pale, sickly look and "blue rings around the eyes" 
(Hering). 

There is great itching of the nose in Cina, and the child rubs 
it, or is constantly boring into the nose and picking it until it 
bleeds (145). Pallor around the nose (145) and mouth is marked 
in Cina, when the child is troubled with worms. 

In children with disordered stomach and bowels, who require 
Cina, we find twitching of the muscles of the face and about the 
eyes, sometimes the whole face is burning hot, or one cheek is 
red and hot and the other is pale (27); these symptoms vary 
rapidly. 

Cina is to be thought of in neuralgia of the malar-bone (SO) 



398 MATERIA MEDICA. 

with a sensation as if pinched with pincers (79) and with aggra- 
vation from external pressure (79). 

There is ravenous hunger (119), often soon after a meal, the 
child wants a great variety of things and refuses ordinary food. 
The abdomen is sw r ollen, hard and hot, with soreness to touch 
or pressure (12), especially above the navel, where there is also 
a good deal of colic. The colic is sometimes better from pres- 
sure (175). 

The diarrhcea is watery, with little pieces of white mucus look- 
ing like popped corn (60) and associated with wiiite, turbid 
urine. The child passes worms, both round and thread. 

There is frequent desire to urinate or an involuntary micturition 
during the day (198) or at night (198). 

Cina may be thought of in broncho-pneumonia of children 
(151), wiiere, in addition to the characteristic crossness of the 
remedy, w r e find a gurgling or swallowing after coughing. 

In whooping cough there is this same gurgling, or " clucking 
sound", as Farrington calls it, that goes dowm the oesophagus 
as the child finishes the paroxysm. 

There is great mental excitement in Cina, children wake in 
fright (81), scream and tremble and the paroxysms of whooping 
cough are worse "when awaking from sleep" (Lippe). There is 
twitching of the extremities during sleep (193) as w T ell as grinding 
of the teeth (187). 

I use Cina 30th. 

CINNABARIS. 

Mercuric Sulphide — Red Sulphide of Mercury, HgS. 

This ancient remedy w T as first proved for us by Hahnemann, 
who incorporated in his Mat. Med. Pura some forty-five symp- 
toms. Allen in his Encyclop. has added to this a number of 
additional provings which, however, only make a total of three 
hundred and seventy-two symptoms. 

An important thing for us to remember about Cinnab. is in 
reference to the eye. It is of value in inflammations and ulcera- 
tions of the cornea (77), usually superficial, but characterized 



CLEMATIS. 399 

by severe pain in the bones of the orbit, extending from the inner 
to the outer canthus, with nightly aggravation. This pain, 
while usually above the eye, may encircle the eye in the bones of 
the orbit. It is also valuable in ciliary neuralgia (75), with this 
pain extending over or around the eye. 

In the nose it is to be thought of for chronic nasal and post- 
nasal catarrh (143), with pain about the root of the nose (97) 
and an accumulation of stringy mucus which passes through the 
posterior nares into the throat (143). 

We can think of Cinnab. for indurated buboes (26) and for 
chronic gonorrhoea (83), with enlargement of the testicle (188). 

I use Cinnab. 3d. 

CITRIC ACID. 

Pure crystalized Citric acid made from lemon juice is triturated 
with sugar of milk for our lower potencies. 

In the absence of a regular proving, our symptoms are made 
up from a few cases of poisoning from lemon juice and some 
clinical reports of its use. 

The organic acids generally produce conditions of malnu- 
trition and ansemia (15) and there is reported a case of scurvy 
brought on by the excessive use of lemon juice as a preventive 
against yellow fever. 

You are familiar with the use of the lemon and pineapple in 
diphtheria, with seemingly beneficial results. There are several 
reports of the local application of one dram of citric acid to eight 
ounces of water to relieve the pains of cancer. 

It is of value, as a remedy, to check excessive menstruation 
(135). 

CLEMATIS. 

Clematis Erecta — Upright Virgin's Bower. 

Clematis (KAe/m, klema, a vine or tendril), so called from its 
long, lithe branches, belongs to the same family of plants as 
Puis, and is, in many respects, similar in action to it. There 
are many varieties of clematis, but the erecta, which is a native of 



400 MATERIA MEDICA. 

and grows most abundant in the south of France, is the most 
sweet-smelling of the species, is the one that was proved by 
Hahnemann and the only one found recorded in Allen's Encyclop. 

There is a general aggravation at night and from heat under 
Clematis (8); a fear of being alone (80) but they are " disin- 
clined to meet otherwise agreeable company" (Lippe), and it 
has been used with success for homesickness (119). 

In the eye it is of value for iritis, whether from cold (74) or 
from syphilis (74), with aggravation of the pains at night, 
photophobia, lachrymation, pressing and burning pains in the 
eyes, and with great sensitiveness to cold air. (We can make a 
note that the sensitiveness of the eye to cold and to cold air is 
the reverse of what is usually found under the remedy.) It is 
also of value for pustular conjunctivitis (76), especially when 
complicated with eczema of the scalp. 

Clematis is a good remedy for toothache, especially in the back 
teeth, and transiently better from holding cold water in the 
mouth (187) and from drawing cold air into the mouth (187). 
There is grumbling in the teeth during the day but great pain at 
night on lying down. There is also aggravation from the warmth 
of the bed (187) or from smoking (188). With the toothache 
there is often salivation and soreness of the gums, with a feeling 
as if the teeth were too long (187). 

Clematis is a remedy affecting glandular structures and it is 
useful for swelling of the inguinal glands, with little pain during 
the day but with increased pain and sensitiveness to touch at 
night and from the warmth of the bed. 

In cystitis it is of value when the neck of the bladder is in- 
volved, with burning pains (194) worse at the beginning of mic- 
turition, and with great difficulty in getting the flow started 
(200). There is a feeling of constriction of the urethra, the 
patient has to wait, and strain, and grunt before the urine will 
start and then it flows in a thin stream and stops before the blad- 
der is emptied. 

With this difficulty in beginning to urinate, there is dribbling 
(198) after he supposed that he had finished; in ways like this 
nature strives to strike a balance. 



CLEMATIS. 401 

It would be a remedy useful in gonorrhoea, with the pain and 
difficulty in starting micturition, and Farrington speaks of it 
"in the beginning of inflammatory stricture." 

The testicles are inflamed, sensitive and swollen (188), with 
the pains worse at night and from the heat of the bed or from 
warm applications (188). It is of great value for orchitis from 
cold or from a suppressed gonorrhoea (188) and for neuralgia of 
the spermatic cord (171), with drawing up of the r. testicle. 

In the female sexual sphere there are marked points of differ- 
ence between this remedy and Puis. Clematis has menstruation 
too early and too profuse (135) and a corrosive leucorrhoea (126), 
associated, perhaps, with cancer of the uterus (202), with shoot- 
ing pains running upwards to the breasts, noticed especially on 
urinating (126). 

In the breasts we find hard nodular tumors (23), perhaps 
scirrhus, which are painful and sensitive to touch, with aggrava- 
tion at night and Hering says, " worse during growing moon." 

Clematis is of value for a rheumatic constitution, with sprained 
pain and aching in muscles and joints, especially when the patient 
occasionally suffers from herpetic eruptions. 

These eruptions, which are apt to become pustular, especially 
about the occiput, are worse on the hairy parts, reaching to the 
hair line on the back of the head (65), and are associated with 
corrosive secretions and great itching, which is worse from the 
warmth of the bed (122) "from wet poultices" (Hering) "and 
from washing" (Lippe) (122). 

It is of value for eczema of the hands (65) and for eczematous 
eruptions following suppressed gonorrhoea. The eczema of 
Clematis is put down as being worse during the increasing moon 
(141), Allen giving it, "sometimes moist (during the increasing 
moon), sometimes dry (during the waning moon)." 

Dearborn says, "in chronic eruptions a monthly aggravation 
(said to be coincident with the new moon) is quite marked." 

I use Clematis 3d. 



402 MATERIA MEDICA. 

COCCULUS. 

Cocculus Indicus, India Berries. 

(Cocculus, diminutive of coccus, kokkos, kokkos, a berry.) 

Hahnemann, who first proved Cocculus, says: "This vegetable 
substance, hitherto only used for the purpose of destroying some 
noxious vermin and for stupefying fish so that they may be 
taken by the hand, was first employed by myself as a medicine 
after I had ascertained its dynamic effects on the healthy human 
body." 

The ancients used these berries to stupefy fish; they were 
scattered on the water, and the fish after eating them, would be- 
come dizzy and lie motionless on the surface, so that they were 
easily caught. The moderns, at least in England, use Cocculus 
for the adulteration of beer, as it not only prevents secondary 
fermentation, but it also hastens stupefaction in the human fish, 
the intoxication that it produces being first noticed in the motor 
tract. Picrotoxin is the active principle contained in the berry, 
which acts as the intoxicating poison. 

Cocculus produces violent convulsions and loss of control and 
paralysis of muscles; it produces excessive nausea and vertigo. 

There is in Cocculus a general tendency to paralysis, heaviness 
and sluggishness of the whole body, and numbness (146); some- 
times trembling (192) and jerking (193) of various groups of mus- 
cles, and at times unconquerable drowsiness. 

There is general hyperesthesia of all the senses (166), an intol- 
erance of the least excitement and a general sensitiveness to 
both cold and warm air (5) and an aggravation from fresh or 
cold air (5). Keeping this latter fact in mind we will be en- 
abled to differentiate this from other remedies having, in other 
respects, many similar symptoms. 

Vertigo as if intoxicated (207) is an almost constant concomi- 
tant of Cocculus symptoms. This vertigo is worse rising up in 
bed or from a chair (207), and better from lying down, generally 
with a feeling of stupefaction of head, numbness and unsteadiness 
of the extremities and nausea. 

Cocculus is a remedy useful for the general bad effects of pro- 



COCCULUS. 403 

longed insomnia (8), and for diseases caused by " over-study, 
overexertion, dissipation and disappointed ambitions" (Tal- 
cott); it is useful for nervous exhaustion (158), with pronounced 
weakness of the extremities, which feel as if asleep (71), and 
with a weak, empty feeling in the chest (30) or abdomen (179), 
or as Talcott says, in mental conditions, "a delusion that his 
organs are hollow; sometimes this delusion relates to the head, 
or the chest, or the abdomen." 

It is useful in spasmodic affections, notably hysteria and 
especially menstrual hysteria (120), with weakness and numb- 
ness of the extremities; in chorea (31), especially when the 
patient is exhausted ; and in epilepsy (66) characterized by cold 
extremities (71) and numbness (146). 

Mentally we find Cocculus adapted to cases which present a 
condition of stupidity; they are slow of comprehension, or cannot 
think of the words with which to express themselves, the mind 
feels benumbed (91), they are depressed and easily offended 
and are troubled with vertigo and nausea. It is useful for mental 
derangements resulting from suppression of the menses (135) 
and for the "ill effects of anger and grief" (Hering). 

The headaches of Cocculus are frequently seated in the occiput 
(100), the pain extending down the spine; they are worse from 
any external impressions (95), from eating (95) and drinking, 
from cold air (93) and from sleep (97), and are associated with 
constant nausea and vomiting (97). We may have a sensation 
as if the head were compressed by a band (105). 

It is our most valuable remedy as a prophylactic against car- 
sickness, or for sick headache caused by riding or reading in the 
cars (97). I do not recall a single failure with it when used in the 
30th for two days before taking a trip on a steam railroad, includ- 
ing southern roads. 

Nausea and even vomiting are almost constant concomitants 
of a Cocculus condition. There is an extreme aversion to the 
sight of food (6), with persistent qualmishness and bitter, 
metallic (186) or putrid taste. The nausea is provoked by 
eating, or even by the smell of food (6), by drinking, motion 
or becoming cold. It has proved of value in the nausea and 
27 



404 MATERIA MEDICA. 

vomiting of pregnancy (153), especially when associated with 
the vertigo of the remedy. 

Colic is frequent in Cocculus, twisting, flatulent colic, only 
slightly better by passing flatus (175) ; the attacks come on about 
midnight (176) and have as accompaniments, a feeling of empti- 
ness in the stomach (179) and abdomen, and nausea and vomiting. 
It is useful for flatulent colic during pregnancy (152), for gas- 
tralgia due to the suppression of the menses from other causes 
(135) and for the excessive distention of the abdomen when as- 
sociated with dysmenorrhoea (138). 

It is a valuable remedy in hernias, umbilical and especially 
inguinal (114), and it is particularly indicated when the abdom- 
inal muscles are weak and it seems as if a hernia would easily take 
place; worse on the r. side. 

The diarrhoea of Cocculus is brought on by riding in cars or 
carriages, or from drinking cold water (57), with flatulent colic, 
a feeling as of sharp stones rubbing together in the abdomen 
(180), relieved by a movement or the passage of flatus. Along 
with the diarrhoea we have numbness of the legs, bilious vomiting 
and vertigo. 

Menstruation is usually too early and too profuse (135), gush- 
ing (137) and very exhausting (138) and associated with flatulent 
colic (138), as from sharp stones, pains worse from motion and 
on breathing, along with the vertigo and the nausea of the rem- 
edy. In suppression of the menses (139), we have many mental 
symptoms of depression and sadness, with flatulent colic (138) 
and a purulent gushing leucorrhcea (126) that takes the place of 
the menses (126). 

A symptom found in hysteria, is dyspnoea as from constriction 
of the throat (25), chest or stomach. 

Of the effect of Cocculus on the special senses, Dunham says, 
that the "most marked action is exhibited in the voluntary 
muscular system, paralysis more or less complete being pro- 
duced in the eyelids, and in the muscles of the face, the tongue, 
the pharynx, and of the extremities, particularly of the lower 
extremities." 

We have great weakness of the cervical and dorsal muscles, 



COCCUS CACTI. 405 

with heaviness of the head, relieved by leaning the head back- 
ward; this weakness is often found in spinal irritation (171), 
with great hyperesthesia of all the senses (166). The knees 
are weak (125) and he totters when walking; the feet and hands 
are alternately asleep (71) and the feet fall asleep when sitting. 
It is to be thought of in paralysis of the extremities, the symp- 
toms preceded by convulsive movements of groups of muscles. 

In the intermittent fever calling for Cocculus we have during 
the chill flatulent colic, nausea and disgust at the smell of food. 
The chill may be only partial, the lower extremities being cold 
while the head is hot, or the chilly stage may mingle with the 
febrile stage, and the latter may be imperfectly developed. 
During the chill no relief is obtained from external heat, and 
during the fever, as well as with the chill, there is intolerance of 
both cold and warm air. 

The sweat is general, being cold on the face, and the attack is 
followed by extreme debility. 

Cocculus is to be thought of in low types of malarial fevers, 
in typhoid, rheumatic and relapsing fevers, the "slow, sneaking, 
nervous forms" (H. C. Allen), with intense headache at the 
base of the occiput, vertigo, with sensation of emptiness or hollo w- 
ness in the head, nausea "as if the stomach were always nause- 
ated" (H. C. Allen), faintness, great difficulty in collecting his 
ideas and numbness of the extremities. 

Coff. cr. is incompatible with Cocculus. 

I use Cocculus 30th. 

COCCUS CACTI. 

Cochineal. 

(Coccus — kokkos, kokkos, a berry, a kernel; Cochineal — cocci- 
neus, scarlet.) 

The cochineal insect is a native of Mexico but is cultivated in 
various tropical countries. The cacti upon which it lives are ex- 
tensively grown for this especial purpose. The females only are 
valuable for their coloring matter, and their dried bodies, "pre- 
viously cleansed by agitation with tepid water, are coarsely 



406 MATERIA MEDICA. 

powdered and covered with alcohol for fourteen days" (Am. 
Horn. Phar.) to make our tincture, which has a drug value of the 
lx. 

Coccus cacti was first proved by the Austrian Society. 

The chief points of interest that this remedy has for us as 
homoeopaths, are its action on the urinary tract and on the fauces 
and larynx. 

The urine is dark colored, containing large amounts of urates 
and uric acid, and it is of value for gravel, or kidney calculi 
(123), with violent colic, sharp, lancinating pains running down 
to the bladder (125), hematuria (85) and usually tenesmus. 

It is to be thought of in menorrhagia, with discharge of dark 
clots (136) and constant and ineffectual efforts to urinate until 
these clots have passed. Menstruation is apt to be irregular 
and the flow intermittent, being only at night when lying down 
(134). 

The fauces are very irritable, even when not inflamed; so much 
so, that simply brushing the back teeth is sufficient to set up a 
violent cough, along with gagging and even vomiting. The 
antics of the Coccus cacti patient must not be set down to the 
discredit of the laryngologist who wishes to examine her, for 
she will begin to gag as soon as she opens her mouth. 

It is a remedy of value in laryngitis and bronchitis, with suffo- 
cation, most violent paroxysms of cough and difficult expectora- 
tion of thick, tenacious mucus (69), which causes strangling, 
retching and vomiting. The cough is worse on first waking 
in the morning (40). It has relieved a cough, due to a chronic 
bronchitis, where the aggravations were, as the pathogenetic 
symptom records, in the morning on waking and at 3 p.m. 

It is frequently indicated in whooping cough (48), with strangl- 
ing, the paroxysms worse after waking "or after rising" (Hering), 
and ending with vomiting of ropy mucus. 

I use Coccus cacti 30th. 



COFFEA CRUDA. 407 

COFFEA CRUDA. 

Unroasted Coffee-bean. 

Hahnemann was one of five who first proved Coffea. 

For our tincture, which is prepared in a peculiar manner, we 
use the raw seeds of the plant Coffea Arabica (Levantic or Mocha 
beans), so called because the first " written accounts of the use 
of Coffee came from the Arabians, about the fifteenth century. 

"It was one hundred years later (1573) that the first European 
wrote about it" (Appleton's Cyclop.), so that its use amongst 
us, now so universal, is of comparatively recent date. 

Some of the curative effects of Coffea cr. we will give you ; some 
of the deleterious effects you already know, remembering at the 
same time that roasting the bean makes it more stimulating; 
for other bad effects, real or imaginary, consult current Postum 
advertisements. 

The primary effect of coffee is its well-known cerebral and 
bodily activity, with an increased sense of health and vigor, an 
increased flow of thought and talkativeness, and great acuteness 
of all the senses (166), hence an increased susceptibility to pain, 
with an intolerance of it (148). The secondary effects comprise 
"a sort of relaxation of all the faculties of the organism; dis- 
agreeable sensation of life; dulness of the mental faculties; 
gloomy, constant yawning, stretching, desire to sleep at any 
time of the day, light, unrefreshing sleep" (Teste). 

Coffea cr. is of value for neuralgic pains of any part of the 
body, when attended by great nervous excitability and intoler- 
ance of the pain (148). It is useful for the nervous results of 
over-indulgence in stimulants, alcohol (5), etc., and while sel- 
dom the first remedy thought of for delirium tremens (54), it is 
useful when there is restlessness (160), trembling of the hands, 
and with the mind active with the idea that he is not at home 
and the preparation of some cock-and-bull story for use when he 
gets there. There is great mental excitability, resulting from 
pleasurable emotions, the primary effect of the drug, with recur- 
rent attacks of weeping and hysterical depression, as the second- 
ary effect. 



408 MATERIA MEDICA. 

It is of value in severe neuralgic or nervous headache, from 
any cause, but especially from some emotional excitement (95), 
with sensation as if the brain were being torn or crushed and the 
patient is unable to bear the pain; or there is a one-sided head- 
ache, with a sensation as if a nail (106) were being driven into 
one of the parietal bones. 

Coffea cr. will frequently startle both physician and patient 
by the prompt relief that it will give in an unbearable facial 
neuralgia, relieved only by ice-cold applications, or a neuralgic 
toothache, that drives one frantic, and better from holding cold 
water in the mouth (187). 

Hering speaks of painless diarrhoea, under Coffea cr., the result 
of sudden joy. 

" Excitement of the male sexual organs is the primary action, 
relaxation thereof the secondary action of Coffea" (Allen's En- 
cyclop.), but we make little use of this fact, as other remedies 
have it more prominently. 

Menstruation is usually too profuse, and Coffea cr. is to be 
thought of in uterine haemorrhage of dark, clotted blood (136), 
with great itching and sensitiveness of the genitals. 

It has been used for unbearable after-pains (153), with much 
nervous excitement. 

We have oppression of the chest, with short inspiration and 
easy palpitation (111), the result of any pleasurable excitement 
or surprise. 

One of the most frequent uses that I have made of Coffea cr. 
is for sleeplessness (169), with nervous excitability, extreme 
sensitiveness to external impressions and a steady flow of ideas; 
the patient cannot sleep on account of mental activity, and will 
be wide awake after getting into bed, with inability to stop 
thinking long enough to go to sleep. 

These thoughts are not necessarily disagreeable, but preferably 
pleasant ones. The man will go over the day's work and the 
streak of luck he had in that transaction; or the hostess will dwell 
upon the various events of her entertainment and how well every- 
thing passed off; or the case that Thackery writes about, where 
the young man after retiring goes over the social evening that 



COLCHICUM. 409 

he has just spent and rehearses the bright remarks he might have 
made and the witty answers he could have given, if he had only- 
thought of them at the time instead of now when he wants to go 
to sleep. 

I use Coffea or. 30th. 

COLCHICUM. 

COLCHICUM AuTUMNALE — MEADOW SAFFRON. 

(Colchicum — koA^W, kolchikon, a plant with a poisonous, 
bulbous root.) 

Colchicum was so named either because it grew in profusion 
in Colchis, now known as Mingrelia, a portion of Asiatic Russia, 
or because, according to Greek legend, Media, the sorceress and 
poisoner, lived and finally died in that country. 

Colchicum aiitumnale, the meadow saffron, grows naturally in 
the temperate climates of Europe, blooming in the autumn. 

It is an old remedy in the treatment of gout, and seemingly 
the old-school physicians of to-day have made but little progress 
in the knowledge possessed by the ancients concerning its medical 
properties and uses, including the question advanced as early as 
the fifth century, whether, although it gives magical relief, its 
frequent and continuous use does not favor the frequent recur- 
rence of the attacks (from Dunham). 

This view is accepted by Ringer, 1876, who says: "Colchicum 
is merely palliative, removing for a time the patient's sufferings, 
but as experience abundantly proves, in no way protecting him 
from their recurrence. For it is on all hands accepted that 
Colchicum is inoperative to prevent a return of the attack; nay, 
many who suffer from it are of the opinion that while the medicine 
removes altogether an existing attack, it ensures the speedier 
return of another. Hence, gout-ridden people commonly advise 
their fellow-sufferers to abstain from Colchicum.'' 1 

Colchicum was first proved by Stapf, one of Hahnemann's fel- 
low provers. 

To quote directly from the Handbook: "It produces violent 
inflammation of the gastro-intestinal canal, with profound depres- 



410 MATERIA MEDICA. 

sion of the heart and of the temperature. There are always ex- 
treme prostration and tendency to collapse, with internal cold- 
ness. It produces acute inflammation of the kidneys. "It is 
especially interesting to note that it produces symptoms of the 
acute manifestations of gout, quite apart from any direct mani- 
festations of the excretion of urea or uric acid. "Its relief of 
acute gout seems to be a purely homoeopathic action." 

Ringer says that it is well known that Colchicum "gives prompt 
relief from the pain, inflammation and fever of gout. But how?" 
since it has been "experimentally shown that it exerts no in- 
fluence on the elimination of uric acid in gouty people." 

As Ringer has acknowledged that "poisoning by Colchicum 
produces pain that has been felt in all the extremities;" that 
Colchicum as a medicine "gives prompt relief in an attack of gout;" 
and that the continuous use of it "ensures the speedier return of 
another attack," does it not seem that a scientific physician who 
wanted to know, instead of asking "how" it acts, would see that 
it is through the homoeopathic law of cure? 

The Colchicum patient is intolerant of pain (148) and of ex- 
ternal impressions and touch; strong odors, bright light or rude- 
ness of others upset his temper and make him exceedingly cross 
and irritable (184). Some of these mental symptoms will be 
found associated with many a condition calling for the remedy. 

Another prominent symptom is nausea or disgust for cooked 
food as soon as he smells it. The sense of smell is extremely 
acute and all strong odors are offensive and distasteful, and 
particularly so in reference to the odor from cooking. 

He may have a craving for various things, still, when they are 
brought to him (6) and especially if he smells them (6) he is 
siezed with extreme aversion, becomes nauseated and may even 
vomit. The odor of meat-broth causes nausea; the odor of a 
freshly-poached egg makes him almost faint, are some of the 
pathogenetic symptoms. 

The region of the stomach is sensitive to pressure and there 
are "frequent and copious eructations of tasteless gas" (Dun- 
ham). There may be a sensation of burning in the stomach (178), 



COLCHICUM. 411 

but more frequently a sensation of icy coldness there (178), and 
great distention of the abdomen with gas (13). 

It is to be thought of in gastralgia, with severe crampy pains 
and diarrhoea, retching and vomiting, especially when due to the 
repression or retrocession of gout. 

It is of value in ascites (11) and other abdominal conditions, 
with, as the leading indication, the nausea or vomiting from the 
smell of food. 

The stools of Colchicum are seldom profuse, the movements 
may be painless, or with colicky pains and severe tenesmus. In 
dysentery, and especially when recurring in the autumn (58), 
there is more or less constant tenesmus (61), tympanites (13) 
and colic, with inability to stretch out the legs and relief of the 
colic from bending double (174). The stools are watery, jelly- 
like, or like gelatine, bloody, mucous, or changeable in character; 
at times the stools consist of reddish water containing shreds 
like the scrapings of the intestines (60). 

Colchicum is of value in croupous nephritis (124), with scanty, 
dark or black (193) and bloody urine, associated with tenesmus, 
and especially if there is also inflammation of the neck of the 
bladder, with burning on urinating (194) ; there is usually severe 
pain in the region of the kidneys, with aggravation from stretch- 
ing out the legs, as it seems to cause abdominal pressure on the 
kidneys, constant chilliness and cold extremities, and a feeling of 
coldness in the stomach. 

It is to be thought of for suppression of the urine during typhoid 
(200) or after scarlet fever (200). 

In the heart Colchicum is of value in subacute or chronic peri- 
carditis, with effusion (109), especially when associated with 
rheumatic conditions (162). There will be severe stitches about 
the heart and oppression (110), necessitating deep breathing 
(107), oppression of the chest (29) and dyspnoea as if the chest 
were squeezed with a tight band (27). In these cases the heart's 
action is weak and indistinct and the pulse may be even thread- 
like; as an accompaniment there is frequently a feeling of icy 
coldness at the pit of the stomach (178). 

Hughes, in speaking of the two reports of the use of Colchicum, 



412 MATERIA MEDICA. 

says: "It displayed such remarkable power of controlling rheu- 
matic pericarditis, that it ought to be more frequently used in the 
treatment of this affection. 7 ' 

Goodno says: Colchicine, an alkaloid of Colchicum, "has proved 
a valuable preventive of rheumatic pericarditis, not one case of 
pericarditis having occurred in over one hundred and fifty cases 
of rheumatic fever treated with this remedy by the writer and 
several friends." 

Colchicum is useful in hydro thorax (29), with great dyspnoea 
and oedema of the extremities (63), when dependent upon 
chronic troubles of the kidneys and heart. 

It is of great value in gout (84) and in the gouty diathesis, 
with soreness of the flesh and joints, extreme irritability of tem- 
per (184), intolerance of touch and the gastric symptoms of the 
remedy, especially the distress from the oclor of food cooking. 
The joint of the great toe is apt to be affected and we have sharp 
sticking pain and extreme sensitiveness to touch, so that he 
even fears having anyone come near him (84). It is useful in 
rheumatism or gout of the heel (84), which is extremely sore to 
the touch (71). 

In articular rheumatism, Colchicum seems to be a frequently 
neglected remedy. The pains are sharp and shifting (149) and 
worse towards night, and there is the same sensitiveness to 
touch, the irritable disposition and the gastric symptoms with 
which we are familiar. Any joint may be affected but the smaller 
ones are especially apt to be involved (161). The pains are 
violent, often paralytic, so that the patient can hold nothing in 
the hands, or when the feet are affected, they become swollen 
and oedematous and it is difficult to lift them from the floor. 
If not indicated during the acute attack, it is frequently called 
for at the end, with the wandering, spasmodic pains. 

In typhoid, in addition to the suppression of urine (200) already 
spoken of, Colchicum would be of value when there is great pros- 
tration, tympanites (13), coldness of the stomach (178), cold 
breath (24) and cold sweat, nausea and vomiting. 
I use Colchicum in the tincture or 3d. 



COLLINSONIA. 413 

COLLINS ONI A. 

Horse Weed — Stone Root. 

In 1735 a specimen of this plant was sent from this country 
to Peter Collinson, an English botanist. He forwarded it to 
Linnaeus, the Swedish botanist, who named the species Collin- 
sonia, in honor of his friend. As it was indigenous to this country, 
it was natural for it to receive the first proving here, and Dr. 
William H. Burt, of Illinois, made it for us. 

All authorities agree that we know but little concerning this 
remedy, and Allen says: "From our scanty information, it seems 
to act upon the hsemorrhoidal sphere similar to Aloes, Sulphur, 
etc." 

Collinsonia has been prescribed in ascites (11), both from 
cardiac and hepatic disease, but the keywords of the remedy are 
piles and constipation, the first letters of the two words being the 
same as his for whom the plant was named. 

It is of value for haemorrhoids, non-bleeding, or bleeding al- 
most incessantly (85), with a sensation of sand or of sharp sticks 
in the rectum, and general aggravation of the pains late at night. 
Associated with this we have obstinate constipation (88), the 
stools sluggish, hard, and in the form of balls. 

It is to be thought of in dysmenorrhoea and membranous dys- 
menorrhea (138), with hsemorrhoidal troubles, and in pruritus 
of the vulva (156) and prolapsus (203) or other uterine troubles, 
associated with haemorrhoids and constipation. 

It is of value for pruritus during pregnancy, with swelling and 
dark redness of the genitals, and inability to sit down or walk 
on account of the protrusion and soreness of the parts, and with 
haemorrhoids as an accompaniment, and it is "adapted" says 
Hughes, "to women who have haemorrhoids either during (153) 
or as a sequel to pregnancy " (153). 

I use Collinsonia 3d. 



414 MATERIA MEDICA. 

GOLOGYNTHIS. 

Bitter Cucumber. 

The fruit of this plant is a round gourd (hence its name, 
KoXoKvvQr], kolokunthe, the round gourd or pumpkin), and resem- 
bles in size and appearance a green orange. We use the dried 
fruit, deprived of its rind and seeds, to prepare our tincture. 

Colocynth is a violent hydrogogue cathartic, producing also 
terrible colic. Hughes says that this remedy offers "a crucial 
instance of the fruitful results attainable by the Hahnemannian 
process of 'proving' on the healthy human body. Here is a 
substance which traditional medicine knows simply as a pur- 
gative. The modern experimentation on animals has done 
nothing for it; as a purgative and nothing else it still stands in 
the works of" the old school authors. 

In addition to its colic, Colocynth also causes violent pains in 
almost every nerve of the body and all pains are, as a rule, re- 
lieved by pressure and by heat. The onset of the pains is sudden, 
they last an indefinite time, and when they cease they leave as 
suddenly as they came. This is the explanation of a prominent 
symptom of the remedy, paroxysmal pains that come and go 
quickly (148). 

One other general condition before we take up the special 
analysis of the remedy. Hahnemann, who introduced Colocynth 
into our materia medica, says that it is especially efficacious for 
the "ill consequences and troubles springing from indignation 
and embitterment, or internal gnawing mortification over the 
unworthy treatment of himself or of other persons who excited 
his pity" (Chr. Dis.). 

Colocynth is a valuable neuralgic remedy, and in the head we 
find violent neuralgic headaches, with sudden cutting and bor- 
ing pains, and facial neuralgias involving the eye and malar-bone 
(80), and in all these cases there is a paroxysmal character to 
the pains, with great soreness of the part affected yet relief from 
firm pressure (92) and from heat. 

It is useful in controlling the pains in iritis and glaucoma, 
when the pains extend into the head and are better by firm 



COLOCYNTHIS. 415 

pressure. Whatever the trouble requiring Colocynth, look for 
pain as its most prominent symptom, with the paroxysmal 
come-and-go feature, and relief from heat and pressure. 

In the colic calling for this remedy you will frequently have the 
opportunity to verify the statement, that I have heard from 
more than one old-school graduate, who has also studied our 
materia medica, that in the majority of cases of acute pain, relief 
can be obtained as quickly with the homoeopathic remedy as by 
the use of morphine. 

Two cases that I well remember will serve as illustrations. 
One hot night a stranger got me out of bed and said that his 
wife had been poisoned by something that she had eaten and he 
feared she was dying. I found his wife lying on the floor and 
writhing in the greatest of agony. She could not speak to me, 
but noticing the intermittent character of the pains and her 
position during the paroxysms, I gave her Colocynth. Twenty 
minutes later she exclaimed, "What a relief!" and she had but 
slight returns of the pains after that. 

I was called to see a colored woman who had been suffering for 
several hours from a Colocynth colic. When I left, in about half 
an hour, her brother met me and asked if I thought his sister 
would live? I told him not to make any noise, for she was at that 
time taking a nap. 

Another case illustrative of a different phase of medical life 
was where I sat for a couple of hours feeding Colocynth to a colic 
that not only did not want the remedy but would not have it. 
I always like to wait in a case of colic and administer the medi- 
cine myself, as it is such fun to watch the patient get better; in 
this instance the fun was postponed, and it was not until after 
the second dose of Croton tig. that it commenced. 

We have in Colocynth great flatulent distention of the abdo- 
men, with most violent cutting, griping, flatulent colic, better 
from hard pressure (175) ; sometimes with nausea and vomiting, 
sometimes with diarrhoea, sometimes with discharge of great 
quantities of gas. The pains start around the navel and are 
paroxysmal (176), griping, as if squeezed between stones (ISO), 
and they may extend into the chest (180) or pelvis. These 



416 MATERIA MEDICA. 

pains may be caused by eating fruit (green apple colic), from 
suppressed perspiration, as from drinking ice-water when heated, 
or they may be brought on by fits of anger (177), indignation 
or grief from ill-treatment or after a scolding; but whatever the 
cause, the result is the same in all cases, and the patient doubles 
up with the colic (174), usually with the hands folded over the 
abdomen, so as to get additional pressure, and with relief from 
heat, from a movement of the bowels, or the passage of wind, 
either upward (175) or downward (175). 

These pains are paroxysmal and each paroxysm will stop as 
suddenly as it started. In severe cases we may have a constant 
pain which is bearable, while it is the paroxysms of pain that 
bring tears to the eyes or strong words to the lips. (There may 
be a certain amount of truth in the statement that a woman cries 
to keep from swearing, while a man swears to keep from crying.) 

Although diarrhoea is not always present with the colic, colic 
is an accompaniment of the diarrhoea calling for Colocynth. The 
diarrhoea, like the colic, is caused by eating fruit (57), from 
anger, vexation, etc. The mere fact of being found fault with, 
especially if she considers it to be without cause, is sufficient in 
a susceptible person to bring on a violent attack of colic and 
diarrhoea. 

In dysentery the stools are bloody and mucous, always after 
eating (57) and drinking (57) and preceded by the character- 
istic colic. 

The urine in Colocynth is- high-colored, being likened to brown- 
beer, and becomes turbid as soon as cold, with a copious sediment 
of urates. It is to be thought of in chyluria, the urine white like 
milk (199) and coagulating in the cold. 

In the pains from gravel (124) this is a frequently indicated 
remedy, with relief from pressure and from heat. 

In the female sexual sphere, Colocynth is often called for in 
suppression of the menses (134), especially from anger or chagrin, 
with the characteristic colic (138), and in dysmenorrhoea, with 
violent paroxysmal pains, better from hard pressure and heat 
(the hot stove-lid). 

In the ovaries it is of value in inflammation (148), with great 



CONIUM MACULATUM. 417 

soreness, in ovarian colic and in tumors. Many cases of cystic 
tumors of the ovaries (147) or broad ligament (127) have been 
cured by Colocynth, especially if the tumors are round and small, 
associated with pain, or with general discomfort, and with relief 
from heat; the patient has periodical pains and always wants 
the abdomen supported by a bandage. 

It is not only a very valuable remedy in sciatica, but it is one 
that is frequently indicated, and Hughes says that it is in sciatica 
and colic "that the greatest triumphs for Colocynth have been 
made." People with only old-school experience are wholly 
unable to conceive of the promptness with which Colocynth will 
cure its cases of sciatica. The pains are extremely violent and 
paroxysmal, of a tearing, shooting or boring character, with 
relief from heat, pressure (164) and by flexing the leg on the 
abdomen (163). (Note the misplaced sign here in the Hand- 
book.) 

If the sciatica patient who wants Colocynth is able to be about, 
you will find that if the pain catches him while walking he will 
involuntarily stoop and grasp the thigh at the upper portion of 
the popliteal space; if he is sitting, he is apt to stretch out the 
leg so that the edge of the chair may press on the sciatic nerve 
(164). 

I use Colocynth 3d. 

CONIUM MACULATUM. 

Spotted Hemlock — Poison Hemlock. 

{Conium — Kuvdov, koneion, hemlock; Maculatum — macula, 
spot, stain.) 

Conium is indigenous to Europe and Asia. It, however, has 
become thoroughly naturalized in this country, where it grows 
in waste places, usually by river-sides, to a height of from two to 
six feet. The entire fresh plant, root excepted, is used to prepare 
our tincture. 

While this fetid, poisonous herb was first proved for our school 
by Hahnemann, its use as a poison dates back to about the fifth 
century B. C. It is now conceded that Conium was the Grecian 



418 MATERIA MEDICA. 

State potion used at Athens as a means of executing certain pris- 
oners, and that Socrates (d. 399 B. C.) was put to death by a 
drink from this plant. Conium, physiologically, produces paraly- 
sis, first of voluntary motion, then of respiration, and we read 
that Socrates was told that all he had to do after drinking the 
poison was to walk about until a heaviness took place in his legs 
and then lie down. Conium would do the rest. 

The first use of this plant as a medicine dates back to one hun- 
dred years before the Christian era, when it was used as a poultice 
in erysipelas. Pliny (d. 79 A. D.) says that Conium leaves keep 
down all tumors. In the first century it was claimed that by 
anointing the breasts with Conium they ceased to grow and 
several hundred years later a celebrated Arabian physician (and 
Hahnemann acknowledges many an idea from the Arabs) praised 
it as an agent for the cure of tumors of the breast. 

In 1760 Baron Storck introduced Conium into more general 
use for the cure of cancer; but because of the failure to individ- 
ualize the cases it fell into disrepute, and on account of the 
massive doses used, Hahnemann says that he was " prevented 
from recognizing sooner in Conium one of the most important 
antipsoric medicines" (Chr. Dis.). 

Since Conium has been proved we are no longer working in the 
dark and know in what class of cases it will prove serviceable, 
and as regards tumors and indurated glands (82) the stony 
hardness and knife-like pains are our prominent indications. 

It is of value for scrofulous constitutions, for the bad effects 
following sexual excesses (167), for weakness following exhaust- 
ing diseases (156), for paralysis after diphtheria (62) and for 
general physical and mental debility (155), and tremulous weak- 
ness (192), with sudden attacks of faintness with vertigo. It is 
a remedy that is more frequently indicated for old people (147) 
than for the young. 

There is a general weakness in Conium, perhaps senile demen- 
tia (166), a forgetfulness, especially of dates, inability to get his 
mind fixed on his business and a tired, weary sensation in brain 
and body on every attempt to concentrate his thoughts (93). 

It is of value in melancholia; the patient is quiet and sad, 



CONIUM MACULATUM. 419 

picks his nose, which bleeds easily and becomes sore, or he picks 
his fingers until they bleed. It is to be thought of for melan- 
cholia in those who suffer from ungratified sexual desire, as well 
as for hypochondriasis resulting from excessive gratification 
(16S). There is depression of spirits preceding menstruation 
and melancholia resulting from suppression of the menses (135), 
with aversion even to the members of her own family. Here we 
find the mental condition of aversion to people (131), yet dislike 
of being alone. 

Vertigo is a common accompaniment of the Conium condition 
and may be due to cerebral anaemia (90). The vertigo is especi- 
ally worse from motion, even slight motion, such as sitting up in 
(207) or turning over in bed and there is in addition, easy intoxi- 
cation from the smallest quantity of alcoholic stimulant. It is 
to be thought of for vertigo due to the excessive use of tobacco 
and for that found in old people. With the vertigo there may 
be a feeling of extreme sensitiveness of the brain (91), with a 
sensation of a hard lump there, or a numbness (91) or coldness 
inside the head or on one side. 

Conium is of great value for partial or complete paralysis of 
the ocular muscles, particularly of the internal rectus, where 
any attempt to fix the eyes on any object becomes painful and 
the object seems to move; or when reading, the letters soon begin 
to run together. There is vanishing of vision with vertigo, and 
vertigo when fixing the eyes on any object (207). 

Another condition that has been benefited by this remedy is 
where through sluggishness of accommodation or adaptation the 
vision is good for fixed objects, but when an object is put in mo- 
tion before the eyes there is a haze and dimness of vision and 
vertigo. A curtain blowing in the wind or an empty chair being 
rocked are familiar examples. 

Conium is of great value in superficial inflammatory condi- 
tions of the cornea (ulcers (76) and pustules (76)), from cold, 
injury or a scrofulous diathesis (76), indicated in a general 
way by extreme photophobia (76), greater than the apparent 
inflammation would seem to warrant, and aggravation at night 
on lying down. The spasmodically closed lids are with difficulty 
28 



420 MATERIA MEDICA. 

forced open and when opened "a profuse flood of hot tears 
spurts out" (Hering) (76). It has proved of value in cataract 
(73). 

We may have in Conium extreme sensitiveness of hearing asso- 
ciated with the vertigo of the remedy, or loss of hearing due 
to an accumulation of wax which hardens in the ear. 

It is useful in gastralgia, with sudden contractions of the stom- 
ach, and associated with cough (51), a spasmodic and so-called 
stomach cough (44). We might think of it in globus hystericus 
(119) as it is one of the remedies where there seems to occur a 
spasmodic constriction of the stomach and oesophagus, with a 
sensation as if a round body or ball ascended from the stomach 
to the throat (189). There is pain in the stomach associated 
with sour eructations (178) and vomiting after eating, and it 
has been used with success in cancer of the stomach (178) and liver. 

There is a sensation of constriction of the hypochondria as 
from a band (165), great sensitiveness of the abdomen (12) to 
touch, associated with sticking, tearing or knife-like pains; with 
these symptoms it has cured hard nodular swellings of the liver 
as well as enlarged mesenteric glands (83). 

Conium is of value in obstinate constipation, with frequent 
and usually ineffective desire (34). hard stools followed by 
tremulous weakness, also for constipation that alternates with 
diarrhoea (34). 

It is of value in chronic diarrhoea of old men. sometimes in- 
voluntary in bed, the movements followed by tremulous weak- 
ness and vertigo, and especially when associated with frequent 
urination and an interrupted stream, the urine flows by fits and 
starts (199). This break in the current on urinating is due to a 
partial paralysis of the bladder, with pressure to urinate; the 
flow starts and stops repeatedly "and passing water does not 
relieve the pressure to do so" (Lilienthal) ; frequently he can 
urinate better when standing (200). 

Conium is a remedy of great value in the bad effects following 
excessive sexual indulgence, or for non-indulgence but with 
excessive thought on the subject, with, in the male, desire with- 
out erections (167), or easy emissions without sufficient cause 



CONIUM MACULATUM. 421 

(167), with tremulous weakness (167) and flow of prostatic fluid 
on the slightest motion or with constipated stool (167), the re- 
sult being impotency (168) and melancholia. It has also been 
found useful for the sexual nervousness of strong, healthy men 
who are unable to have an erection at the time when it is most 
needed. 

In both sexes it is of value for the bad effects of ungratified 
sexual desire, where the desire has been strong but the oppor- 
tunity lacking, and as Talcott says, Conium "is, therefore, useful 
in relieving the ailments of old maids, of widows (131), of wid- 
owers, of old people generally." 

It is a valuable remedy for the testicles when they are en- 
larged and very hard (188), especially as the result of injuries. 

In the female sexual sphere, Conium is a remedy that is fre- 
quently called for. It is useful in various tumors, including 
cancer (202) of the uterus and especially of the cervix; tumors 
that are hard and with burning, stinging and knife-like pains. 
It is to be thought of in uterine polypi (202) and in haemorrhages 
from the uterus, with pain running from the uterus down the 
thighs (139). 

Menstruation is scanty and while usually too early (135), it 
may be delayed or suppressed and associated with many of the 
symptoms already spoken of (135). Pruritus of the vulva and 
vagina frequently follows the menses (158), along with excessive 
hyperesthesia of the genital organs. The leucorrhcea is excoriat- 
ing (126) and burning (126) and follows the menses (126). 

A condition often calling for this remedy :s where we have 
swelling of the breasts, with soreness and sharp pains, preceding 
the menses (23) and if there are any tumors of the breast they 
are increased in size and more painful at the menstrual period. 

Conium is of great value in tumors of the mammary glands 
(23) and it is believed to have cured scirrhus ; anyway, the espe- 
cial indications calling for the remedy in swellings and tumors 
of all kinds would be the extreme hardness and the sharp, knife- 
like pains. A point that we take from the Handbook is, that in 
these tumors our remedy is followed well by Silica, which helps 
to complete the cure begun by Conium. 



mm 



422 MATERIA MEDICA. 

The cough of Conium is frequently found, and while it will 
remind us of Drosera, as far as the necessity to hold the chest 
(49) or sides is concerned, it differs decidedly from that remedy 
in having only scanty expectoration. 

It is especially to be thought of in the tormenting cough of 
old people (47). The irritation to cough is caused by a dry 
spot in the larynx, is worse when lying down at night and is 
accompanied by suffocative attacks. While noticed more at night, 
the attacks are brought on by lying down during the day also, 
and the patient must sit up (41) and " cough it out" or loosen 
the mucus, after which he has relief for a time. 

The expectoration is scanty. There is a feeling of mucus in 
the throat and they must cough until it is loosened, but when 
loosened it is easier to swallow it (70) than to raise it. There 
is also a cough that seems as though it came from the abdomen 
(44) and they must hold the body tight when coughing (49). 

Conium has sweat immediately on falling asleep (185), noticed 
especially about the perineum, genitals or axilla, and it may be 
offensive. 

I use Conium 3d. 

GONVALLARIA. 

LlLY-OF-THE-VALLEY. 

(Convallaria — convalis, a valley inclosed on all sides.) 
Convallaria is one of our newer remedies, not being mentioned 
in our literature previous to 1883, and for that reason it is not to 
be found in Allen's Encyclop. or Hering's Guiding Symptoms. In 
large doses it causes irregularity of the heart's action, vomiting 
and collapse; in somewhat smaller doses it diminishes the rate 
of the pulse, promotes the flow of urine and "probably stimulates 
the respiratory function" (Warner). In small doses it acts as a 
cardiac tonic and dissipates dropsical effusions of cardiac origin. 
It is a drug similar in many respects to Digit, but is less ener- 
getic and usually safer to use. Nausea and vomiting occupy a 
very minor place in the pathogenesis, but dyspnoea, with in- 
ability to lie down (24) occupies a very prominent position and 
is a leading indication for the selection of the remedy. 



CORALLIUM RUBRUM. 423 

The symptom that I keep in mind in reference to this remedy, 
and around which most of the others revolve, is that in the 
chest and heart conditions, lying down is difficult, if not impos- 
sible, and the patient is obliged to sit up, or to sit propped up 
(24). 

It is a remedy to be thought of in dyspnoea, with pulmonary 
status and hydro thorax (29), with inability to lie down (24). 
It has relieved dyspnoea caused by walking, or ascending stairs 
or a hill (24) even when there was no organic heart lesion. 

Convallaria is a valuable remedy for weak heart, with more 
or less irregularity and with or without valvular lesions. There 
will be great dyspnoea and inability to lie down, scanty urine 
and dropsy (63). It is useful for dilation of the heart due to 
emphysema (66) or kidney disease. 

Dr. Boericke says that Convallaria is "of use when the ven- 
tricles are over-distended and dilation begins, when there is an 
absence of compensatory hypertrophy, and when venous stasis 
is marked. " 

I use Convallaria in the tincture. 

CORALLIUM RUBRUM. 

Red Coral. 

This is an ancient remedy, but it has not been used for a long 
time by the old school. It was considered to have "strengthen- 
ing properties, such as precious stones were formerly supposed to 
be possessed with" (Teste) and was used for a tonic. 

While first proved by Dr. Attemyr, of Germany, Teste, of 
France, gave us our first therapeutic knowledge of its use as 
derived from his own provings. 

The especial interest that we have in Corallium rub. is in refer- 
ence to its remedial action in nervous coughs and whooping 
cough, and there are seasons when it seems to act almost as a 
specific in the latter condition. 

An indication for its use is the extreme severity of the paroxysm, 
the patient gets blue in the face (47), vomits tough, stringy 
mucus (69), or may have haemorrhages (47) from the nose, 



mv 



424 MATERIA MEDICA. 

mouth or lungs. The cough is often preceded by a sensation of 
smothering, and the paroxysms follow one another at short inter- 
vals, leaving the patient very much exhausted, or as Hering puts 
it, "as weak as a rag. 7 ' 

There is a general sensitiveness of the mucous membrane of 
the throat, especially to air, which seems cold, and breathing the 
open air will provoke a paroxysm of coughing (40). 

I use Corallium rub. 30th. 

CORNUS CIRCINATA. 

Round-leaved Dogwood. 

(Cornu, a horn, in reference to the hardness of the wood; 
Circinatus, to make round.) 

First proved by Dr. E. E. Marcy. 

The bark from this large shrub is much more bitter than that 
from the Cornus florida. 

Allen says the general action of Cornus circ. is "not sufficiently 
known, but seems to exert a marked action on the liver and 
intestinal tract." 

It has been used in chronic inflammation of the liver, with 
jaundice (122) and for bilious diarrhoea and dysentery, with 
burning in rectum and anus (61) during the passage of the very 
offensive stools. 

It is to be thought of in chronic malarial conditions, with 
weakness, jaundice, diarrhoea or dysentery and enlarged spleen 
(173). 

The Cornus circ. patient is drowsy, depressed in spirit, and 
mentally and physically prostrated (155). 

CORNUS FLORIDA. 

Flowering Dogwood — New England Boxwood. 

(Floridus, flowery.) 

This small tree was well-known to our Indians, who used the 
bark for fever and colic. It possesses an action similar to that 
of Peruvian bark, as a stomachic and anti-periodic, and differs 
from it only in quantity of action. 



CRATAEGUS OXYACANTHA. 425 

It was first proved by Dr. G. H. Bute, in 1838. 

It has been used in chronic malarial conditions, with dulness, 
drowsiness and great exhaustion during the paroxysms. 

The chill (121) and the fever often begin in the back, and 
either of them may usher in the paroxysm. 

During the apyrexia the patient is weak and is very apt to 
have diarrhoea. 

CRATAEGUS OXYACANTHA. 

Hawthorn Berries. 

(Crataegus — Kparalyos, krataigos, a kind of flowering thorn; 
Oxyacantha — o^vs, oxus, sharp, + aKavOa, akantha, a spine.) 

Crataegus, which has been lauded as a heart remedy, had a 
proving under the direction of Dr. Cowperthwaite, of Chicago, 
who reported the result to the American Institute of Homoeop- 
athy, in 1900. Fourteen provers took part, one taking repeated 
doses ranging from 5 to 185 drops of the tincture, and Dr. Cow- 
perthwaite reports that the only action of the drug, common to 
nearly all the provers, was a purgative one. One of the doctors 
who assisted in the work and followed up the action of the drug 
on the provers, reported that "this much-vaunted cardiac 
remedy, after thorough test physiologically on the healthy, and 
as a therapeutic measure in a large number of cardiac lesions, 
has shown such a limited sphere of action as to be entirely super- 
seded by other drugs." 

"Therapeutically," he goes on to say, u Crataegus has no bene- 
ficial action in valvular lesions. It is indicated by a slow, low- 
tension pulse, a general circulatory torpidity, tendency to cutane- 
ous chilliness and blueness of the finger tips, without organic 
heart lesion" (Dr. G. L. Brown.) 

Only two of those who took part in the discussion reported as 
having used it in valvular lesions and both times successfully. 

I have used the remedy but once, and in the tincture, and 
after other remedies had failed. It was a case of dilation of the 
heart, due to chronic interstitial nephritis, and accompanied by 
great dyspnoea and much cyanosis. It relieved. 



426 MATERIA MEDICA. 

CROCUS SATIVUS. 

Saffron. 

{Crocus — Kpu>Kvs, krokus, saffron. Saffron — from the Persian, 
safra, yellow (as bile). Sativus, sown or planted.) 

Crocus sat., the autumnal crocus, has nothing in common with 
Colchicum, the meadow saffron. Crocus sat. yields the real saffron 
of commerce, which consists of the orange-colored stigmas of the 
flowers; but as it took some four thousand flowers to make an 
ounce of the dried stigmas, it was apt to be adulterated with 
cheaper substitutes, and it is now about displaced by aniline 
dyes. 

Crocus was first proved by Stapf, one of Hahnemann's follow- 
ers. 

There are two things that stand out prominently in this remedy, 
the hysterical symptoms and the haemorrhages of dark blood. 

It is to be thought of in hysteria, with changeable moods, and 
in nervous prostration (156), with the peculiar abdominal sensa- 
tions, which we will speak of later, and the chorea-like twitch- 
ings, noticed especially in the spasms of the upper eyelids (79). 
It is also to be thought of in chorea (31), with repeated nose- 
bleed of tenacious, thick, black blood (142). 

Crocus is a remedy useful for headache during the climacteric 
(96) and " worse during the period in which she was accustomed 
to have menstrual flow" (Hering). These headaches are conges- 
tive, pulsating (102) and better from pressure (92) ; sometimes 
one side of the head is affected and sometimes the other, with 
pain in, or over the corresponding eye. 

In the eyes we have ciliary neuralgia (75) where the pain goes 
from the eye to the top of the head and associated with a sensa- 
tion as if a cold wind were blowing against the eye (77). It is 
useful in asthenopia (72) with a feeling as if a veil were between 
the eyes and the light (78), or as if a film of mucus were over 
them and he is obliged to wink or wipe his eyes in order to remove 
it; along with this, we may have extreme photophobia, cannot 
read without a gush of tears. 

It is of value in spasmodic affections of the eyelids (79), with 



CROTALUS HORRIDUS. 427 

itching and twitching and feeling as if he had to wink all the time 
or press the lids tightly together. 

Crocus has a sensation as if something living were jumping 
about in the pit of the stomach, abdomen, arms or other parts 
of the body, or a sensation of worms crawling in the abdomen 
(11) or of something dead lying there and associated with a con- 
dition of extreme nervousness. It might be of use in imaginary 
pregnancy, and it is of value to remove the tendency to miscar- 
riage (13) associated with the unnatural sensation of worms 
in the abdomen, or as of something dead lying there. 

Menstruation is too profuse and too long (135) of thick, dark 
blood (136) and aggravated by any motion (134). It is of great 
value in menorrhagia (135) and metrorrhagia (135) at the clim- 
acteric, with increased flow on the slightest movement. 

I use Crocus in the tincture. 

CROTALUS HORRIDUS. 

Rattlesnake. 

Crotalus was first proved by Hering, assisted by five others, 
the report being published in 1837. 

It presents a somewhat similar picture to that found under 
Lachesis, but with a more marked tendency to haemorrhage. Two 
pathogenetic symptoms read: " Bleeding from orifices; bleeding 
suddenly from eyes, ears, nose, gums, urethra and beneath nails." 

The blood of Crotalus is dark and disorganized. It produces 
hematogenous jaundice. 

There is general exhaustion as pronounced, if not more so, than 
found under Lachesis, and Hering says the coldness and collapse 
(34) are more marked than under Camphor. 

It is a remedy useful in "broken down constitutions" and in 
"low typhoid states" (Hering). 

It is useful in senile dementia (166), with the forgetfulness 
(133) of figures, names or places, or with antipathy to his family 
(131); he imagines himself surrounded by foes (53) or by hideous 
animals (54). In these latter symptoms we can see the appli- 
cation of Crotalus in the delirium of typhoid or typhus fevers, 
or in that of delirium tremens (54). 



428 MATERIA MEDICA. 

It is a remedy to be thought of in cerebrospinal meningitis 
(133), with delirium, nosebleed of dark blood (142), tongue swol- 
len and red, offensive breath and offensive, bloody stools. 

It is of value in severe headache with diphtheria, or in occi- 
pital (100) or frontal headaches associated with dysmenorrhcea 
(96), as well as for ciliary neuralgia (75) coming on at the men- 
strual period. 

Crotalus is to be thought of in keratitis, with aggravation at 
the menstrual period, and like Lachesis, it is used for "haemor- 
rhages into the retina" (77) due to kidney or "other diseases, 
or when it seems to be of spontaneous origin" (Hering). 

It is useful for acne (14) and for papular eruption on the 
chin associated with delayed menstruation (15), and it is one of 
the remedies to be thought of in people who grind their teeth 
(187) at night, even to the extent of cracking the molars, and 
associated with delayed menstruation. 

In the oesophagus we have hysterical spasms (147), with in- 
ability to swallow anything solid. 

In diphtheria calling for Crotalus we find the fauces swollen 
and dark red (191), with less feeling of constriction around the 
throat than under Lachesis, but with greater tendency to haemor- 
rhage from the nose, mouth, kidneys and anus. 

In the stomach we have inability to retain anything, with 
vomiting of food or of blood (208). 

It is to be thought of in bilious vomiting, with inability to lie 
on the r. side without instant vomiting; in atonic dyspepsia 
(178), with a sensation of throbbing (181) or fluttering (11) 
near the umbilicus; in the gastritis of chronic alcoholism (176); 
in ulcer of the stomach (181), with vomiting of blood; and for 
black vomit in yellow fever (209). 

In the abdomen there is great tenderness and sensitiveness 
(12), cannot bear the touch of clothing, and with inability to 
lie on the r. side (8); and it is especially useful in haemor- 
rhagic, or black jaundice, with dark red face and skin, and 
haemorrhage of dark blood from any or all the orifices of the 
body. 

The diarrhoea is offensive, dark or bloody and usually associated 



CROTALUS HORRIDUS. 429 

with vomiting. It is caused from " imbibition of septic matters 
in food or drink; from 'high game'" (Hering) and from bilious, 
remittent or other low-type fevers. 

The urine is usually scanty and bloody (193) the result of 
nephritis or of disorganized blood (194) in low fevers. 

In whooping cough, besides the tendency towards epistaxis 
(47) and spitting of blood, we have cardiac weakness and blue- 
ness of the face (47), with slow return of the normal color after 
the paroxysm. We may find the " attacks followed by puffiness 
of face or hemorrhagic spots" (Hering). 

The heart is weak, although the rate be rapid, with a sensation 
as though it tumbled about, or "over" (Hering) (114), the 
circulation is poor and the skin dark blue (207) in the inflamed 
parts. 

Crotalus is a very useful remedy in purpura hemorrhagica 
(158), in boils, carbuncles, abscesses and varicose ulcers (205), 
when the parts look blue and unhealthy, and the tendency to- 
wards gangrene (82), and associated with great prostration. It 
is to be thought of in chilblains (31), especially when threatened 
with gangrene, in erysipelas (68) after vaccination (205) or from 
the bites of insects, and in lymphangitis and septicaemia from dis- 
secting wounds (209). 

It is extremely valuable in fevers of a malignant type, especi- 
ally when they present a hemorrhagic or putrescent character, 
and is to be remembered in bilious, bilious remittent and malig- 
nant fevers of the South; in hemorrhagic measles (131); in scar- 
let fever (164), with weakness, unconsciousness, efforts to vomit 
anything taken into the stomach, and when vomiting, oozing 
of blood from the gangrenous fauces; in typhus (193) and typhoid 
fevers (193), with hemorrhage from the bowels and kidneys 
(85) of dark (193) decomposed blood (194). 

Crotalus is the most homoeopathic remedy in yellow fever 
(209), with symptoms of blood-poisoning, pains all • over the 
body, swollen parotids, sensitiveness of the liver, dark bloody 
stools, nosebleed and vomit, face dusky, hands nearly black, 
suppression of urine (209) and tendency to collapse (34). 

I use Crotalus 6th. 



430 MATERIA MEDICA. 

CROTON TIGLIUM. 

Croton Oil — Purging Nut. 

{Croton — KpuTov, kroton, a tick, which the seeds are supposed 
to resemble.) 

Croton oil, which we, as well as the old school, obtain from the 
seeds of the India and Ceylon Croton tiglium, is largely adulterated 
as found in commerce. While we use the seeds only, we can re- 
member that "the purgative principle of the oil exists in all parts 
of Croton tiglium" (Bartholow), and as one author puts it, 
" every part — wood, leaves and fruit — seems to participate equally 
in the energy." 

The first provings were made by Dr. Hermann, of Germany, 
and for our use one part, by weight, of the oil is dissolved in 
ninety-nine parts, by weight, of alcohol (87 per cent.), making 
our strongest preparation, or tincture, strictly speaking, the 1st. 

Croton tig. is a powerful hydrogogue cathartic and in certain 
susceptible persons has produced diarrhoea when rubbed on the 
skin. When applied on the skin, by friction, it excites inflam- 
mation and causes an eruption of small vesicles and pustules, 
with inflamed areolae. 

In the eye Croton tig. is useful in pustular conjunctivitis (76) 
and even for ulcers on the cornea (77), characterized by exces- 
sive photophobia, super-ciliary pain and an eruption on the 
lids, about the eyes and on the face (77). It has a ciliary neu- 
ralgia (75), with the sensation as if a string were pulling the 
eyeballs back into the head (77). 

In the abdomen under Croton tig., we find gurgling (11) and 
swashing, as if there were nothing but water in the intestines, 
and when the patient has a movement, he is convinced that there 
was nothing but water there and that it was under high pressure. 
The diarrhoea is characterized by a sudden griping in the abdo- 
men, which demands instant attendance at, and is relieved by 
stool (61). The movements are watery and yellow, with sudden 
expulsion; passed with a gush (59), " coming out like a shot" 
(Hering). 

There is great aggravation from taking anything into the 






CUPRUM. 431 

stomach and the stool occurs immediately after eating (57) or 
drinking (57); solids or liquids seem to pass right through one; 
it is as though water were passed through a twisted tube that 
was open at both ends, with the added sensation of a gripe as 
the fluid passed each bend in the tube. If an artist were to rep- 
resent the Croton tig. condition, he would picture the patient 
as partaking of nourishment while sitting at stool. Associated 
with the diarrhoea we may have nausea and vomiting, sometimes 
with pain following the colon down to the rectum, or possibly the 
stool may be painless, but always with the aggravation after 
eating and drinking and the sudden expulsion. 

Croton tig. has a symptom found in nursing women who have 
very sore nipples, where there is excruciating pain running from 
the nipple back to the scapula on nursing (146). 

The eruption on the skin, caused by and cured by Croton tig., 
is vesicular at first and later pustular, with painful burning and 
redness, very like herpes and especially like herpes zoster (114), and 
Dearborn says the itching and burning are worse from " washing 
(65) and exposure to the air." It seems to have an especial 
affinity for the face and genital organs and it is of value for 
eczema of the scrotum (164) and penis, with intense itching. 

Croton tig. has been my usual choice for the vesicular eruption 
due to poisoning by Rhus tox. (163), it causing an eruption very 
similar to that produced by the poison ivy. 

I use Croton tig. 2d. 

CUPRUM. 

Copper. 

Copper, one of our "most abundant metals, has been known 
from a very remote antiquity — even before iron" (Wagner's 
Tech.). (They are both mentioned at the same time in the 
Bible— Gen. iv. 22.) 

Hahnemann, who first proved metallic copper, included in its 
pathogenesis the provings and poisonings from Cuprum acet., 
especially verdigris, the basic acetate of copper, and Cuprum sul- 
phate, the blue vitriol. 



432 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Hughes says, concerning Cuprum, "by which I mean the salts 
of copper in general as well as the pure metal; for there seems no 
difference in their action, and they were used indiscriminately 
by Hahnemann in his provings and citations from authors." 

Allen in his Encyclop. gives the pathogenesis of Cuprum acet. 
and Cuprum sulph. separately, and says: "Whether or not there 
is any essential difference in action between Cupr. met. and its 
ordinary salts, the collection here furnished will assist in deter- 
mining." 

To prepare Cuprum, Hahnemann directed that a piece of pure 
metallic copper be rubbed upon a hard, fine whetstone, under 
distilled water in a porcelain bowl. The fine powder that sinks 
to the bottom is dried and run up to the 3d triturate with sugar 
of milk. 

At present we are enabled to get our metallic copper in a purer 
and more finely-divided state by means of precipitation and this, 
after being well washed and dried, is triturated up to at least 
the 3d. 

Hahnemann calls our attention to the fact that "most of the 
violent symptoms in those poisoned with copper are wont to ap- 
pear in groups, lasting for a half or a whole hour, and they are 
apt to recur from time to time in renewed attacks with an almost 
identical composition of the symptoms," and he adds, "copper 
is, therefore, all the more homoeopathically indicated in diseases 
that show themselves in such irregular attacks of similar groups 
of symptoms, as is the case with copper" (Chr. Dis.); he cites as 
the "chief sphere of the appropriate application of copper," 
various kinds of partial or general clonic spasms, chorea, epilepsy, 
whooping cough, etc. 

We can keep in mind that the action of Cuprum, as a medicine, 
is short in comparison with some of our remedies, Hahnemann 
saying that it "seems to extend over only a few days" (Chr. 
Dis.), while Sulph. "seems to act in the smallest doses for from 
16 to 20 days" (Mat. Med. Pura). 

"The poisonous action of copper, like that of most metals, is 
exerted primarily upon the alimentary canal, and secondarily, 
after absorption, upon the nervous centres" (Hughes). 



CUPRUM. 433 

Prominent features under the remedy are what might be spoken 
of as the "Big Four;" they are, cramps, convulsions, coldness 
and a tendency to collapse. 

We have spasmodic contractions of flexor muscles, especially 
of the thumbs, fingers and toes, and these contractions will 
often serve as the key-note for prescribing the remedy in lesions 
of the nervous system. 

It is of value in chorea (31) ( "where the spasms come on in 
paroxysms, associated with other symptoms which always appear 
grouped with these paroxysms; or when the paroxysm com- 
mences in one part— the finger or limb, for instance — and gradu- 
ally extends until the whole frame is involved" (Guernsey's 
Obstetrics). We may have chorea with hysterical symptoms, 
laughing, weeping, etc., or paroxysms of the most violent char- 
acter, associated with vomiting and cold sweat (185). It is use- 
ful in chorea when caused by fright (81) or appearing during 
pregnancy. 

The epileptic attacks (66) for which Cuprum is especially indi- 
cated are characterized by the most frightful spasms, with 
clenched jaws and fingers, thumbs underneath, stiffness of limbs 
and body, blueness of the surface and cold sweat. Talcott says 
that it is most useful in the epilepsy of "weak, nervous individu- 
als; those in whom mental or physical overwork has advanced 
to complete exhaustion.' 7 

It is to be thought of in convulsions from worms (36), ursemic 
convulsions (36) following cholera and puerperal convulsions 
(155), in all of which the spasms "are apt to begin with cramps 
in the extremities, especially in the fingers and toes" (Hughes). 
It is of especial value in convulsions preceding the outbreak of 
the eruption in scarlet fever or measles (130), or in the repression 
of the eruption, with symptoms of meningitis (133). The con- 
vulsions are ushered in with spasms of the flexor muscles, the 
thumbs clenched, and are accompanied by loud cries, frothing at 
the mouth, and blueness of the face and lips. 

The headaches calling for Cuprum are severe and accompanied 
by spasmodic vomiting of all food and drink. We may have 
violent continuous headache, usually with intermittent pains 



L.«. 



434 MATERIA MEDICA. 

and a feeling as if cold water were being poured over the head 
(90). 

Another important condition calling for the remedy is violent 
headache over the frontal sinuses in nasal catarrh, "better when 
lying clown" (Hering). We find neuralgia of the face, with 
burning, stinging pains and aggravation from touch (79). 

Spasm of the oesophagus is frequently noticed in Cuprum (147), 
with gurgling of drink on swallowing (184), or with a spasmodic 
cough and intense pain behind the sternum (184) on attempting 
to swallow. 

Vomiting is frequent in gastric conditions needing this remedy; 
it is spasmodic and painful and may be noticed in the morning 
on waking, or on the slightest movement. We find severe inter- 
mittent cramps in the region of the stomach and abdomen, with 
vomiting, or violent cutting pain in the region of the stomach 
and going through to the back (180), with feeling as if the abdom- 
inal wall would be transfixed to the spine (11) and preventing 
the slightest movement. 

In the abdomen we have neuralgia of the abdominal viscera, 
or the most horrible colics that are intermittent and associated 
with hiccough (116), convulsive vomiting and tendency to col- 
lapse. 

It is of value in cholera (31) and choleraic stools, with desire 
for warm food and drinks (175), which are swallowed with a 
gurgling sound (184). The movements are associated with 
spasmodic vomiting and intermittent cramps of the most fright- 
ful character, in the stomach and abdomen, and severe clonic 
spasms in the extremities, especially of the flexor muscles, the 
thumbs clenched across the palms. The stools are frequent but 
not very copious and are accompanied by intense coldness and 
blueness of the surface, tendency to collapse, and usually sup- 
pressed urine (200). 

Cuprum is of great value, and is used by many as a routine 
remedy, in after-pains (153), and especially so for women who 
have borne many children. 

It is to be thought of in laryngismus stridulous and in spas- 
modic asthma (21), with thumbs clenched in the palms, blue- 



CYCLAMEN. 435 

ness of the face, constriction of the throat and dyspnoea so intense 
that even a handkerchief cannot be tolerated near the face. 

In whooping cough it is of great value, especially when the 
spasmodic character of the cough is very prominent (48) ; there 
is vomiting, the face becomes purple (47) and the child seems to 
almost suffocate. The paroxysms are better from drinking 
water. 

Cuprum is of frequent use for the cure of that condition which 
'causes spasmodic contraction or cramps of the toe or calf (71), 
and occurring especially at night. Before the days of homoeop- 
athy, people were advised, for the relief of this condition, to hop 
out of bed and repeat the following prayer: 

"The devil is tying a knot in my leg, 
Mark, Luke and John, unloose it, I beg." 

In intermittent fever Cuprum would be useful when there was 
icy-coldness of the whole body (121), predominating cramps in 
the limbs, blueness of the surface, collapse and suppression of 
urine. 

I use Cuprum 30th. 

CYCLAMEN. 

Sow-bread. 

(Cyclamen — kvk\os, kuklos, a circle, in reference to its globular 
or bulb-like root.) 

Cyclamen is one of our infrequently-used remedies, which often 
means a drug not thoroughly proved and one of which our knowl- 
edge is limited. It was first proved by Hahnemann and four of 
his followers, all men, and for that reason its value on the female 
sexual organs was not determined, and until it was proved by 
the Vienna Society, many of its chief indications were not known. 

It is an old remedy but had gotten into ill-repute owing to 
erroneous accounts given by the Arabians concerning its action, 
so, as Hahnemann says: "Modern physicians know nothing more 
respecting it, scarcely as much as the ancients romanced about 
it." One of the romances being, that to touch the plant would 
produce abortion. 
29 



436 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Hahnemann makes a statement here that we, as scientific 
therapeutists, know perfectly well but are apt to lose sight of. 
He says: "But as our new (homoeopathic) medical art takes 
nothing on the authority of unintelligent tradition, and neither 
accepts anything because it has been praised, nor rejects it be- 
cause it has been condemned, without having first subjected it 
to impartial trial, I undertook the investigation of this much- 
decried root" (Mat. Med. Pura). 

The symptoms of Cyclamen seem to group themselves about 
the functions of digestion and menstruation, and while its action 
is similar in many respects to its allied remedy, Puis., there is 
this general differentiation: Puis, better from or desire for fresh 
air; Cyclamen, worse from or with dread of the open air (5). 

The Cyclamen patient is apt to be depressed and out of humor 
with himself; inclined to cry but prefers to do so without an 
audience (132); this mental state is especially noticeable in con- 
junction with suppressed menstruation (135). There is vertigo, 
associated with gastric or menstrual irregularities, objects turn 
in a circle (207), with relief in the house or while sitting, and with 
aggravation in the open air (207). 

The headaches of Cyclamen are periodic and one-sided (99), 
"the left temple being the seat of the pain almost always" 
(Dunham), with flickering before the eyes (104) and, when severe, 
with blurred vision (104) or even blindness (104), and "relieved 
by applications of cold water" (Lippe) (92). The headaches 
are usually due to anaemic conditions (93) or to gastric (97) 
or menstrual difficulties (95). 

The saliva tastes salty, which gives a salt taste to all food. 
There is no thirst and but little appetite, with a feeling of satiety 
as soon as he begins to eat (177). There is a feeling of qualmish- 
ness in the stomach, an aversion to bread and butter and to fat 
(177) or greasy food, and according to Lippe, "could only drink 
lemonade without being nauseated." 

Menstruation is normally too early, or frequent, and too pro- 
fuse (135), discharge black and clotted (136), with severe labor- 
like pains from the back to the pubis. In membranous dysmen- 
orrhcea (138) there is also a profuse flow. 



DIGITALIS PURPUREA. 437 

In anaemia (17) and chlorosis (17) we have scanty or sup- 
pressed menstruation (134), with the one-sided headache and 
blindness; but in all conditions calling for the remedy there is apt 
to be a state of constant chilliness and great dread of the open 
air (5). 

Dunham says that the Cyclamen patient has difficulty in going 
to sleep, that he wakes early in the morning unrefreshed, and 
while he cannot go to sleep again, feels too weak to get up. 

I use Cyclamen 3d. 

DIGITALIS PURPUREA. 

Purple Foxglove — Fox-fingers — Ladies'-fingers. 

(Digitalis, pertaining to the fingers (digital), and so named 
because its flower resembled a finger-stall or thimble.) 

While the plant is a native of Europe, it is cultivated in this 
country, but that from Europe is considered superior for medicinal 
purposes. 

Both schools use the leaves obtained from the two-year old 
plant and our tincture is prepared by adding equal parts of 
alcohol and expressed juice from the leaves. 

Among the active principles of the leaves we find "digitalin, 
or ine, which probably most nearly represents the drug, and is 
soluble in alcohol, but not in water, and digitonin, which is sol- 
uble in water, but only slightly so in alcohol." Digitonin is sup- 
posed to represent "the diuretic action of the drug and being 
practically insoluble in alcohol but soluble in water" (Warner) 
will explain the preference often given to the infusion over the 
tincture. 

The chief interest in Digitalis centers in its action on the heart 
and circulation. 

Its action on the heart is remarkable in that it produces vig- 
orous systolic contractions, which later, as the remedy is pushed, 
become very irregular, one portion of the ventricle dilating while 
another portion remains in a state of contraction; finally the 
heart stops in systole (114). In material doses it "at first 
slows the heart" and pulse, increasing arterial tension and caus- 



438 MATERIA MEDICA. 

ing contraction of arterioles, "but poisonous doses make the 
heart beat very quickly and irregularly" (Ringer). 

Hahnemann, who first proved this remedy, says the same 
thing in different words, that "the most usual and assured 
phenomenon from Digitalis is, that after the preliminary slow- 
ness of the pulse (primary action), after some days it is the 
reverse (reaction or secondary action), a much quicker and smaller 
pulse is induced." 

Ringer tells us that "Digitalis reduces the strength of the 
beats of a heart acting too powerfully and strengthens the action 
of a weak heart," but this stimulation is not long-lasting, because 
it causes weakness of cardiac tissue, and this weakness, this 
feeble action, is our chief guide in the selection of the remedy in 
heart cases. 

The heart beats may be slow or rapid, usually the latter, but 
they are weak, with consequent weakness of the pulse, and every 
little extra exertion, such as sitting up in bed, or "rising from a 
sitting to a standing posture, increases the rapidity of the pulse 
(111) but the force is diminished" (Farrington). This weak 
pulse is apt to become irregular or intermittent (110). 

Digitalis is valuable in all varieties of heart trouble, from 
simple weakness to valvular lesions (look out for it in fatty 
degeneration), but whenever indicated there is a feeble, irregular, 
intermittent (110) or fluttering pulse (109). Frequently with 
the weak and irregular pulse there is a feeling as if the heart 
stood still (113), or "would stop beating if he moved" (Farring- 
ton), with anxiety and oppression about the heart (110). 

Another important indication for Digitalis in heart troubles 
is a condition of cyanosis (207), with general desire to take a 
deep breath (107), which only partially relieves the sensation 
of suffocation. This cyanosis may be partial, as around the 
lips, or it may be noticed only after some exertion, and is often 
accompanied with cold, clammy sweat (185). 

In the head Digitalis has been found useful in meningitis 
(133) in the state of effusion (133), with scanty, albuminous 
urine and a slow, feeble and irregular, intermittent pulse, with 
cold sweat (185). It "differs," says Allen, "from Helleb. only 



DIGITALIS PURPUREA. 439 

in the character of the pulse/' which you will recall is tremulous 
but not intermittent. 

In the eyes we may think of it in loss of sight and illusions of 
vision (bright colors (78), hairs, etc., before the eyes) when 
due to disturbed circulation, and in the ears Hahnemann says 
that Digitalis has often cured deafness attended with hissing 
(65) as of boiling water. 

We often have, in cases calling for Digitalis, ascites (11) 
due to, or accompanied by, some disease of the heart. In en- 
largement of the liver, there is some heart trouble, associated 
with jaundice (122), vomiting, diarrhoea of light, clay-colored 
stools, scanty and high-colored urine, ascites (11) or general 
dropsy (63), with slow, intermittent pulse (110), faintness and 
cold sweat. 

The effect of Digitalis upon the kidneys is not at all certain, 
but it is of value when we have scanty urine and general dropsy 
due to a weak and irregular heart. 

Dropsy anywhere (63) may call for this remedy and it is 
frequently of use in croupous nephritis (124) after scarlet fever, 
with scanty and dark urine, ©edematous extremities, dyspnoea 
and oedema of the lungs (29). In chronic interstitial nephritis 
it is often of temporary value when there is threatened failure 
of the heart, or very scanty or suppressed urine, with oedema 
of the lungs. 

It has a urinary symptom that has led to its use in inflam- 
mation of the neck of the bladder and in enlargement of the 
prostate, or in particular when there is an acute inflammation 
of an enlarged prostate, and that is where there is a more or less 
ineffectual urging to urinate, with increased desire after the first 
few drops have passed, which causes the patient to walk around 
in great distress, " though motion increases the desire" (Hering) 
and with burning in urethra (194) for some time after (197); 
along with this we have tenesmus of the rectum (160). 

It may prove useful in gonorrhoea, with frequent ineffectual 
urging to urinate, associated with inflammation of the prostate; 
in hydrocele (119), with suppressed or scanty urine; in seminal 
emissions, without dreams (167) but followed by general weak- 
ness (167), faintness and palpitation (111). 



440 MATERIA MEDICA. 

In the female we can think of Digitalis when, with heart dis- 
ease, we have vicarious menstruation (138). 

Respiration in Digitalis is apt to be irregular and accompanied 
by frequent deep sighs (25) as if the chest could be only half 
filled, as if there were an impediment deep in the chest, or as if 
the internal parts were grown together. 

It is a useful remedy in pneumonia of old people, with weak 
pulse, cyanosis (207) and cold extremities; in cedema of the 
lungs (29) and dropsy of the pleura (29) or pericardium (109), 
with weakness of the heart. 

I use Digitalis in the tincture. 

DIOSGOREA VILLOSA. 

Wild Yam — Colic Root. 

Dioscorea, named in honor of the famous Greek physician and 
botanist Dioscorides, is a creeper or twister, native of the United 
States, but common only in the South, and was first proved by 
Dr. A. M. Gushing, of this country. The root, which is one of 
the yams not edible and the only one used in medicine, has long 
enjoyed a reputation, first among the aborigines for curing ab- 
dominal pains, and later in domestic practice as a specific in bili- 
ous colic, "and country nurses will narrate almost miraculous 
cures from its use, after the patient had been given up to die 
by the attending physician" (Hale). Dioscorea root is not an 
officinal drug in the old school. 

Our principal use for Dioscorea is in gastric and abdominal 
conditions, with colic and flatulent distention (13), and the 
general characteristic that the colic is relieved by walking or 
from motion. 

It is of value in flatulent dyspepsia, with belching of large 
quantities of tasteless or offensive gas, the eructations partially 
relieving the colicky pains (175) in the stomach and abdomen. 
The flatulent dyspepsia may be the result of drinking tea (7). 

In the gastralgia the pains are very severe, cutting or cramp- 
like, and extending from the stomach, along the sternum (180) 
and into both arms (180), with cold, clammy sweat (185) and 
usually with relief from belching and standing erect. 



DIOSCOREA VILLOSA. 441 

In the abdomen we have rumbling (11) and griping pains, 
with emission of much flatulence but without much relief from 
so doing. 

It is of value in most violent flatulent colic, generally better 
from walking about and from pressure (175), worse lying down, 
except when lying flat upon the back; the pains are cutting and 
twisting and they radiate from the abdomen to the back (180), 
into the chest (180) and into the arms. 

While most of the pathogenetic symptoms of Dioscorea give 
relief, in the stomach and abdominal pains, from walking and 
being erect, some show amelioration from bending double, as is 
found prominently under Coloc; and clinically, we find frequent 
use for Dioscorea where the patients not only press hard against 
the abdomen but also bend forward in order to obtain relief 
(174). 

Dr. F. E. Doughty once told me of a case of colic that he 
himself had experienced, where there was relief by bending 
double but on which Coloc. had not the slightest effect. A couple 
of doses of Dioscorea gave such prompt relief that he felt it to be 
a pure coincidence and stopped taking any more medicine in 
hopes that the colic would return and give him the opportunity 
to test it. The colic did return and he satisfied himself that 
Dioscorea had relieved and now cured his colic. 

While you will probably give Coloc. before you will Dioscorea 
in this condition, remember the latter in case the former does 
not give prompt relief. One differentiation that we can keep 
in mind between the two remedies is, that in Dioscorea there is 
more inclination to walk (10), even if bent over. 

The general character of the Dioscorea colic is a " constant pain, 
aggravated at regular intervals (176) by paroxysms of intense 
suffering' ' (Hale), very like what we find in certain cases calling 
for Coloc. 

It is to be thought of in gall-stone colic (82) the pains radiat- 
ing into the chest and arms, with terrible eructations; in colic 
from the passage of gravel or kidney calculi (124), with pains 
shooting up into the kidney and down into the testicle (125) 
and leg, with cold, clammy sweat. 



442 MATERIA MEDICA. 

The haemorrhoids (86) calling for Dioscorea look like bunches 
of grapes, or "like red cherries/' as the pathogenetic symptom 
reads; they protrude after the stool and are associated with 
darting pain in anus, shooting up to the liver. 

The diarrhoea of Dioscorea is associated with the characteristic 
cutting, twisting, paroxysmal colic. The stools are thin and of 
a deep yellow color; they are most frequent in the morning, are 
followed by exhaustion (58) and do not afford much relief to the 
colicky pains. 

In the male we have sexual atony, with relaxation and cold- 
ness of the sexual organs (168), and seminal emissions during 
sleep (167). 

While no provings seem to have been made by women, it has 
been found useful in uterine colic, dysmenorrhoea, and perhaps 
" after-pains" (Hale), with the pains shooting in different direc- 
tions from the uterus. 

Dioscorea is to be thought of in sciatica of the r. side, with 
shooting pains, shooting the whole length of the extremity when 
moving the limb, with entire relief when keeping perfectly still. 

It has been recommended for felons (81), Bell saying that 
it "will usually cure if taken as soon as the pricking in the finger 
is felt, and greatly relieve and hasten the termination if taken 
later." 

I use Dioscorea 3d. 

DROSERA. 

Sundew — Moor-grass. 

The genus Droseracece are known mainly by their leaves being 
clothed with gland-bearing hairs which exude drops of a clear 
gelatinous fluid that glitters in the sun, hence its name Drosera 
(Spwo-os, drosos, dew, juice) or in English, sundew. These gland- 
ular hairs hold the small insects that touch them and exude a 
fluid, under the operation of which the insects are dissolved or 
digested. One species of this family, the North Carolina fly- 
trap, is supposed to be a carniverous plant. As regards the 
sundew, we only know that the plants allowed insects as "food" 



DROSERA. 443 

appear to flourish better and ripen more seeds than those de- 
prived of that nourishment. 

Drosera, which is used only by our school, was known as early 
as the sixteenth century, when it was supposed to be curative in 
consumption; but, like many another good thing that is used 
empirically, it fell into disrepute and we find it stated that those 
who use it die sooner than those who abstain from it (from 
Millspaugh). 

Hahnemann, who first proved Drosera, after speaking of its 
use by the older physicians, says: "The moderns who, guided 
by tradition, had no knowledge of any other than large doses, 
knew not how to employ this uncommonly heroic plant without 
endangering the life of their patients, hence they rejected it 
altogether" (Mat. Med. Pura). He also says that he first em- 
ployed it in the 9th dilution, "but latterly in still higher potency, 
and at last in the 30th dilution." 

The greatest interest in Drosera centers about the action of 
the remedy on the respiratory apparatus, and especially its 
spasmodic cough, which closely resembles whooping cough. 

The especial features of the cough are, the spasms or paroxysms 
of cough, with catching of the breath and inability to expire 
(25). The paroxysms recur at irregular intervals, but are worse 
at night on first lying down and after midnight (40) ; they end 
with choking, vomiting and cold sweat (185) and are associated 
with pain in the hypogastrium, or convulsions of the muscles 
of the chest or abdomen, so that he must sit up and hold his 
sides with his hands (49). 

The cough is often provoked by tickling in the larynx as from 
a feather (43) or from a collection of mucus that must be ex- 
pectorated, or it may seem as if the cough started from the 
abdomen (44). Sometimes we find after coughing a sensation 
as if some of the mucus remained, or as if the chest were oppressed, 
with catching inspiration and inability to expire (25), with 
aggravation from attempting to speak or cough. 

Drosera is of great value in bronchitis and whooping cough 
(48), with a good deal of mucus and the two periods of especial 
aggravation, on first lying down and after midnight (40). 



444 MATERIA MEDICA. 

In whooping cough Hahnemann, after calling our attention to 
the other symptoms of the remedy, lays especial emphasis on the 
fact that "the impulses," of cough, "follow one another so vio- 
lently that he can hardly get his breath" (Mat. Med. Pura). It 
is frequently called for in the bronchitis of old people (147) and 
in phthisis, with profuse expectoration and necessity to hold the 
chest or abdomen with the hand. 

Drosera often affords great relief in laryngeal phthisis (191) 
with great hoarseness, secretion of tough mucus, sore, bruised 
feeling in the chest, paroxysmal cough, and breaking into sweat 
when coughing (185). 

I use Drosera 3d. 

DULCAMARA. 

Bittersweet. 

Dulcamara (dulcis, sweet + mamarus, bitter) , probably brought 
from Europe to this country; prefers moist banks and the mar- 
gins of swampy grounds as the place to grow, and we find in it, 
as a remedy, a pronounced adaptability to conditions arising 
from exposure to cold-wet (9). This feature will follow us 
throughout its whole pathogenesis, not only from cold-wet 
weather, but also from the bad effects of getting wet and cold. 

Hahnemann, who first proved it, speaks of its use in the 30th. 

The most marked effects of Dulcamara are those of cough, of 
muscular rheumatism and of urticaria. 

It is of value in headache, catarrhal or rheumatic, caused by 
or worse during cold wet weather (98), with heaviness of the 
head and mental confusion and nausea, all worse from walking 
or motion (96). 

On the scalp it is to be thought of in eczema, with thick brown 
crusts, which bleed when scratched and with aggravation of the 
condition during cold, wet weather and amelioration in summer. 

It is of value in earache (63), with redness of the drum (64) 
and caused by getting the feet wet, by exposure to cold rain 
(64) or during damp, cold, foggy weather. 

Dulcamara is of great value in nasal catarrh, with an increased 
secretion and free discharge of mucus in cold, wet weather (142). 



DULCAMARA. 445 

Remember it in facial neuralgia brought on by change of 
weather (79) to damp, or from being out in the wet, or worse 
from the slightest exposure to cold (79) ; also in toothache from 
getting wet (188), with painful salivation (163), and especially 
when associated with diarrhoea. 

It is to be thought of in the salivation of mercury (139), which 
is worse in damp weather. There may be an increase of saliva 
in rheumatic conditions, and it has been used in ulceration of 
the mouth, even gangrene (141), with great swelling of the 
mucous membrane and profuse flow of saliva of putrid odor. 

The diarrhoea of Dulcamara is worse in cold wet weather (58), 
stools mucous, green (59) or changeable on color, of sour odor 
(59), and with general dry heat of the skin. It may be useful 
for diarrhoea in summer when the hot day is followed by a cool 
and damp night (58). 

It is of use in cystitis, the result of taking cold, and in acute 
nephritis (124), with suppressed urine (200), the result of a 
sudden wetting while in a perspiration, or due to working in 
water. 

The cough of Dulcamara is worse during cold, wet weather 
(44); the cough is either dry and hoarse, or as usually found, 
with a good deal of greenish, tenacious expectoration (89). 
It is frequently indicated for bronchial catarrh in old people (147), 
cough usually with free expectoration and worse from or during 
cold, wet weather or from change of weather to cold and wet. 

While not mentioned in the provings, Dulcamara is to be 
thought of in "amenorrhoea (134) resulting from exposure to 
cold or dampness (134), or in sudden suppression of menstrua- 
tion from exposure to damp, cold weather or air" (Minton). 
It is useful in nursing women for suppression of milk from taking 
cold. 

Dulcamara is frequently called for in lumbago, or in stiffness 
and lameness across the back and shoulders, associated with 
fever, and due to catching cold or getting wet. It is a val- 
uable remedy in muscular rheumatism that is worse during 
cold weather, and especially during cold, wet weather. 



446 MATERIA MEDICA. 

A word of warning in reference to the aggravation of rheu- 
matic pains during wet weather. Patients are so thoroughly 
impressed with the idea that rheumatism, to be rheumatism,, 
should be worse during damp or wet days that they frequently 
imagine that it is. or express astonishment that it is not. If the 
patient does not volunteer the information and state it in posi- 
tive terms, it is safe to assume that no such aggravation exists. 

The rheumatic pains of Dulcamara are apt to be worse in the 
evening and when at rest, and relieved while walking (10). 

It is a remedy of value for paralysis of the lower limbs from 
getting cold or after a wetting (149), with icy-coldness of the 
extremities. 

Dulcamara is of value for urticaria (201). with great itching, 
especially when caused by sour stomach, and for urticaria that 
comes on at the beginning of winter; these latter cases are usu- 
ally chronic ones and last throughout the cold weather of each 
3'ear. The itching is worse on exposure to cold air even when 
undressing (122). 

It has been used for eczema, with intense itching and watery 
discharge and for colic and diarrhoea that followed the suppres- 
sion of an eruption in cold weather. 

I use Dulcamara 3d. 

ELAPS. 

Elaps Corallixus — Coral Yiper. 

(Elaps — elops. a serpent.) 

This venomous snake is found in Brazil and was first proved 
by Dr. Mure of that country, who used the 3d trituration of the 
venom. 

It is called coral-viper simply on account of its vermillion-red 
coloring, red rings or bands alternating with black ones. 

Its action is evidently on the blood, as in the other snake 
poisons, causing disorganization of the blood, with bloody dis- 
charges or hemorrhages, but as Allen says, "our knowledge of 
its effects is too meagre to permit any generalization." 

In the ears we have dulness of hearing and sudden painless 



EQUISETUM HYEMALE. 447 

attacks of deafness at night, associated with roaring (65) and 
cracking (64) in the ears. 

The nose is stopped up, the stuffiness being high up in the 
nostrils; the sense of smell is lost (170) to the patient, who is 
unaware of the very disagreeable odor emanating from the plugs 
of dry mucus (143) high up in the nostrils. It has been found 
useful in ozsena (148) and nasal catarrh, with pain at the root 
of the nose (96) and frequent nosebleed. 

In the lungs besides the haemorrhage of black blood (28), 
we have cough, with tearing pain as if the lungs would be torn 
out, and noticed especially in the r. upper chest. 

Another prominent symptom under Elaps is the distress from 
cold drinks. 

In the stomach "cold drinks feel like ice" (Hering) (177) and 
in the chest we have a feeling of coldness after drinking (29). 

We can think of Elaps for metrorrhagia of black blood (136) 
but Allen did not think enough of the symptom to take it from 
his Encyclop. and put it in his Hand-book. 

EQUISETUM HYEMALE. 

Scouring Rush — Scrubbing Rush — Winter Horsetail. 

(Equisetum — equus, a horse + seta, a hair, a bristle. Hiemal, 
belonging to winter.) 

Equisetum belongs to the series Cryptogamia, or flowerless plants. 
The cuticle of the Equiseta abounds in silica, on which account 
the stems of some species are used for polishing wood or metal. 
The scouring rush is best suited to this purpose and it was for- 
merly "gathered into bundles by many housewives and used to 
brighten tins, floors and wooden-ware" (Millspaugh). 

The first proving of Equisetum was made by Dr. Hugh M. 
Smith for his thesis when he graduated from the New York 
Homoeopathic College in 1876, he taking the 30th, 3d, and tinc- 
ture, the latter in 50-drop doses. 

The most prominent effects of Equisetum^ are noticed on the 
urinary tract, especially on the bladder. 

There is pain in the bladder as from distention, with constant 



448 MATERIA MEDICA. 

desire to urinate, but only a small amount is passed, which 
seems to aggravate rather than relieve the pain. It is useful 
in cystitis, with tenderness over the region of the bladder, as 
from distention, and it is especially to be thought of in women, 
the urine containing perhaps blood as well as mucus. It is of 
value in dysuria during pregnancy and after confinement, and 
in either sex in dysuria, with extreme and frequent urging, and 
pain (194) worse just after micturition (197). 

Equisetum is to be thought of in weakness of the bladder (21), 
with dribbling, in insane people who will not attend to the bladder, 
and in incontinence of urine in old men (199). It is very useful 
in nocturnal enuresis of children (198), especially "when there 
is no tangible cause, except habit" (Hering). 

I use Equisetum in the tincture. 

EUCALYPTUS. 

Eucalyptus Globulus — Australian Fever or Blue-gum 

Tree. 

(Eucalyptus — ev, eu, well + koXvtttos, kaluptos, covered, con- 
cealed, the flower by the calyx. Globulus, a little ball.) 

This rapid-growing and extremely large tree (400 feet in height) 
was first planted in marshy districts because of its great power 
of absorbing water; it soon grew into favor on account of its 
alleged power of destroying malarial poisons. 

Dr. Leao tells me that when it was first planted in Brazil the 
number of cases of malarial fever in the district were greatly 
lessened. In a few years, however, malaria was as prevalent 
as it had ever been. He attributes it to the fact that when the 
trees were young the leaves were near the ground and could 
sift the air as it came from the marshes. Subsequently, with 
the growth of trees, the leaves being removed from the ground, 
the air was enabled to pass under unobstructed. 

Our tincture is made from the fresh leaves. 

Eucalyptus has had but fragmentary provings, Dr. E. M. Hale 
being among the contributors. It seemingly warrants a thor- 
ough proving, as our knowledge of its symptoms is so very limited 



EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 449 

that Allen says: "It has been prescribed in fevers, intermittent, 
typhoid and remittent, but without marked indications." 

Hering speaks of it for "Fevers of a relapsing, obstinate and 
prolonged character, of a miasmatic origin." 

In lieu of more definite indications, I will give in a few words 
the leading symptoms of a case of intermittent fever that was 
cured by Eucalyptus after five weeks' effort on my part to accom- 
plish the result with other remedies. 

8:30 a. m., premonitory symptoms of yawning and stretching 
and a pale, watery streak under the finger-nails, which changed 
to blueness during the chill (121). 9:30, chilliness, which soon 
amounted to a severe shaking chill, with desire for extra covering 
and hot-water bottles. 

No thirst during chill. Nauseated towards end and at end of 
chill vomited. 

Fever with thirst. Sweat not pronounced. 

I use Eucalyptus in the tincture. 

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 

Boneset — Ague Weed. 

(Eupatorium, from the surname Eupator of King Mithridates 
(d. 63 B. C), who was so named because he happened to have 
a noble father. Perfoliatum, or distinguished by the perfoliate 
character of its leaves (where the stem seems to pass through 
the leaf), each pair of which are at right angles to those immedi- 
ately above or below.) 

There are many species of the genus Eupatorium, two of which 
we will now speak of. 

Eupatorium per], is a native of the United States, is common 
to all parts of this country and grows in wet places on the borders 
of lakes, ponds and streams. 

To quote from one of our authors, Millspaugh, " there is prob- 
ably no plant in American domestic practice /that has more ex- 
tensive or frequent use than this. The attic, or woodshed, of 
almost every country farm-house has its bunches of the dried 
herb hanging tops downward from the rafters during the whole 



450 MATERIA MEDICA. 

year, ready for immediate use should some member of the family, 
or that of a neighbor, be taken with a cold. 

"How many children have winced when the maternal edict, 
'drink this boneset; it'll do you good/ has been issued; and how 
many old men have craned their necks to allow the nauseous 
dose the quicker to pass the palate!" 

Ewpatorium perf. was first proved by Drs. Williamson and 
Neidhard in 1846. 

The common name, boneset, is probably derived from its cura- 
tive powers in the fever peculiar, in this country, to the South, 
the Dengue, Dandy or Break-bone fever; and the characteristic 
symptom of the remedy, and the one that you will meet with 
throughout its pathogenesis, is the great soreness and aching 
in the bones. There is also great soreness of the muscles (166), 
but when you prescribe the remedy you will expect the patient 
to tell you that it seems as if this muscular soreness extended 
deep in and that even the bones were affected. One point to 
keep in mind is, that the more general and severe the bone pains, 
the better adapted is the case to this remedy. 

The headache of Ewpatorium perf. is apt to be periodical (99) 
and located especially in the occiput (100), with at times a sen- 
sation of pulsation there, great soreness of the whole scalp and 
eyeballs, along with nausea and vomiting. 

In violent coryza, influenza or the grip, Eupatorium perf. will 
do wonderful work for you when it is called for. The most 
prominent symptoms would be the great and universal aching 
and soreness, fear to move for fear the bones might break if he 
shifted his position ; severe headache, soreness and aching in arms 
and chest; wrists feel as if broken or dislocated; bruised pain in 
the back; soreness of lower limbs, with sensation in calves as if 
they had been beaten. Associated with this picture and with 
the fever of the remedy, we have thirst for cold water, rather 
constant nausea and vomiting of food or of bile after drinking. 

Along with or following after these symptoms, we have hard 
cough, with hoarseness, and soreness extending from the larynx 
down the trachea and throughout the bronchi. The cough is 
generally worse lying on the back (42) and better lying on the 



EUPATORIUM PURPUREUM. 451 

face. The cough, hurts the head and chest and the patient holds 
the chest with the hands (49); usually there is little or no ex- 
pectoration. 

In intermittent fever Eupatorium perf. is of frequent use and 
with pronounced symptoms. We would have the violent bone- 
pains, the muscular soreness and headache, but Allen in the 
Handbook tells us that more characteristic of the remedy than 
the bone-pains is thirst before the chill (121) and during the chill 
and fever, and that drinking causes vomiting. 

Among the remedies that have thirst before the onset of the 
paroxysm, you will think of Caps. Here drinking causes chilli- 
ness and the patient feels that he has brought on the chill before 
its usual time because he satisfied his thirst. 

In Eupatorium perf. thirst, with vomiting after drinking, is 
pronounced during the chill and fever. Because there is thirst, 
that he must relieve, before the chill and drinking causes vomit- 
ing, he will tell you that drinking caused the chill to anticipate. 

While there is no definite time, one symptom reads: "The 
paroxysm usually begins in the morning, thirst several hours 
before the chill." Hering gives from 7 to 9 a. m. as prominent 
hours for the onset. 

As a usual thing, the chill and the fever are well marked, 
while the sweat is slight or wanting. 

I use Eupatorium perf. 3d. 

EUPATORIUM PURPUREUM. 

Purple-flowered Boneset — Joe Pye Weed. 

(Purpureum — purpura, purple. It is said that an Indian 
named Joe Pye cured typhus fever in New England with this 
plant, by inducing profuse sweating.) 

Eupatorium purp. was first proved by Mrs. H. H. Dresser, about 
1865, under the direction of Dr. L. B. Dresser of this country. 
Mrs. Dresser took from 10 to 60 drops of the tincture at a dose, 
every eight hours. 

Eupatorium purp. has not been used sufficiently often to 
enable us to say much concerning its range of action, but it 
30 



452 MATERIA MEDICA. 

would seem as if we had neglected it in affections of the kidneys 
and urinary organs, with dysuria. 

It has proved of value in subacute or chronic inflammation 
of the kidneys from taking cold, with severe pain in the back, 
more or less suppression of the urine, with dropsy (63), and 
smarting, burning (194), or difficulty in urinating. 

In intermittent fever Hale wonders how it first happened to be 
used, saying: "The symptoms are not found in the provings. It 
may have been by accident that its curative powers in ague were 
discovered." 

It has many clinical symptoms, including pain in the back and 
the bone-pains, similar to those found under Eupat. perf., but we 
will speak only of the dissimilar ones. 

The chill begins in the small of the back (121) and is not preced- 
ed by thirst; in fact there is no thirst throughout the paroxysm, 
or thirst only for acid drinks. Chilliness is increased by every 
movement; during the chill there is blueness of the finger-nails 
(Hale, Hering) (121) and at the end of the chill nausea, but no 
vomiting. 

It is especially to be thought of in intermittent fever when dy- 
suria is a prominent symptom, with constant desire to urinate, 
and aching in kidneys and bladder. 

EUPHRASIA. 

Eyebright. 

(Ev4>pd<rLa, euphrasia, delight, good cheer "as to its effects upon 
the spirits through its benefits to the sight" Millspaugh.) 

Euphrasia was first proved by Hahnemann. 

For many centuries Euphrasia had enjoyed a great reputation 
in the cure of all diseases of the eyes, including senile blindness, 
and poets have sung its praises as an eye-opener, Milton saying: 

"Then purged with euphrasy and rue 
The visual nerve; for he had much to see." 

— Paradise Lost. 

but since the days of Hahnemann and scientific medicine, we know 



EUPHRASIA. 453 

that there cannot be a specific for all diseases, even of the eye, and 
have learned in what class of cases Euphrasia is of value. 

It is a catarrhal remedy, with special reference to the mucous 
membrane of the eyes and nose. In a few words, this is the gen- 
eral picture: In the eyes, redness, soreness and burning, with 
profuse lachrymation, which bites or excoriates. In the nose, 
frequent irritation to sneeze, with a profuse flow of water from 
the nose, which does not excoriate. 

Euphrasia is a valuable and frequently indicated remedy in 
catarrhal conjunctivitis (73), characterized by a free discharge 
of matter, which is acrid and makes the lids red and sore. The dis- 
charge may be thin, or thick and yellow, but it is acrid, and manj r 
superficial inflammations of the eyes and lids are successfully 
treated by Euphrasia when there is this acrid discharge. A very 
prominent characteristic of the remedy is the tendency to an 
accumulation of sticky mucus on the cornea, which is removed by 
frequent winking (78). 

Euphrasia is very valuable in many cases of acute cold in the 
eyes and nose, with acrid water from the eyes, while the dis- 
charge from the nose is generally bland, and it is frequently indi- 
cated in profuse fluent coryza (37), with this opposite character 
of the discharge from the eyes and nose. 

A question that is often asked, and it has been demanded by 
the State Board, is the differentiation between the coryzas of 
All. cepa and Euphrasia? The former, you will recall, has an 
excoriating discharge from the nose and a bland discharge from 
the eyes, while in Euphrasia it is just the reverse. 

As these reverse propositions are at times confusing, unless we 
have some fixed point from which to start, I take as my start- 
ing point in this instance, Euphrasia, or the three E's, Euphrasia 
Excoriates the Eyes. 

There is found under Euphrasia a form of coryza, with sneez- 
ing, running from the eyes and nose, in fact with all the evidences, 
except fever, of a fresh and severe cold developing. This may 
last for an hour or perhaps two, when it will pass away entirely, 
only to reappear and disappear as quickly later in the day. This 
condition may continue indefinitely unless you give Euphrasia or 



454 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Agar., as these are the only remedies, that I know of, useful in this 
form of neurosis. 

We may have cough in Euphrasia, with free expectoration. The 
cough begins in the morning on rising and continues throughout 
the day, but not troubling the patient at night. Usually, with the 
cough, the characteristic symptoms of influenza are present. 

It is a remedy frequently indicated in the beginning of measles, 
with inflammation of the eyes, photophobia, running from the 
nose, cough, etc. 

I use Euphrasia in the tincture. 

FERRUM. 

Ferrum Metallictjm — Ferrum Redactum. 
Iron by Hydrogen — Pure Iron Reduced by Hydrogen. 

The old school dose of this preparation is, grains J-2. 

The method of preparing iron by hydrogen, as we read in the 
Am. Horn. Phar., comprises three stages: 

"1. The preparation of a pure ferric hydrate from ferric chlor- 
ide, drying and powdering the same; 

" 2. Submitting the ferric hydrate at a red heat to the reduc- 
ing action of a continuous stream of pure hydrogen gas as long 
as vapor of water comes off; 

" 3. And finally continuing the stream of hydrogen until the 
reduced iron has cooled." 

Ferrum was first proved by Hahnemann. 

To quote from the Handbook, "Iron acts chiefly on the blood, 
producing more rapid oxydation, with rise of temperature; at first 
an increase of red color (or of red corpuscles), but subsequently a 
diminution of red corpuscles and profound anaemia. " 

We use iron in cases of ansemia and so do the old school, and 
because it is considered by so many as the panacea in all anaemic 
conditions, I ask your indulgence for a few minutes to consider the 
position of the two schools in the administration of iron. 

We, as homoeopaths, practice according to what we believe to 
be a law of cure, Similia Similibus Curantur (let likes be treated 
by likes, or as Dunham puts it: "Sick persons should be treated 



FERRUM. 455 

by drugs which produce in the healthy, symptoms similar to those 
of the sick persons")- 

If this is a law, it is necessarily universal in its application and 
not subject to change. We cannot accept it in one pathological 
state and reject it in another; to be a law it must be inflexible and 
apply to all curative diseases, including anaemia. 

The old school, on the contrary, not having a law to guide them, 
are constantly changing their practice and that change, I believe, 
will cause them to approach nearer and nearer to homoeopathic 
methods; only, until they accept our law of cure they will reap 
but partial benefits, for they practice for the most part empirically, 
or because some one has found a drug of benefit in a certain disease 
the remainder of the school will use that drug in a disease having 
the same name irrespective of the differential symptoms. 

We all know that in health a mixed diet contains sufficient 
iron for all purposes of the human economy, and if iron other 
than found in food is needed, there is something wrong. (It is 
estimated that in the entire body there are three grams, or 46.3 
grains, of metallic iron.) 

We also know that, when the old school give iron, but a very 
small portion of it can enter the systemic circulation and that 
most of it is eliminated by the liver into the bile, by the intes- 
tinal tract and by the kidneys. 

The position held by the old school may be best seen by quot- 
ing from some of their authors. Prof. Tirard, in a recent lecture 
at King's College, London, says: "For many years there has 
been a growing dissatisfaction with our resources for the treat- 
ment of anaemia, and efforts have frequently been made to dis- 
cover some form of treatment which should possess active prop- 
erties and at the same time be free from the constipating effects 
so often produced by many of the preparations of iron. It has 
long been recognized that the beneficial effects of iron salts and 
preparations could not be measured by the amount administered, 
and that an increase in the amount is almost certainly followed 
by the production of some form of digestive trouble. 

"With the astringent or ferric salts, troublesome constipation 
might follow an attempt to employ full doses, or there might be 



456 MATERIA MEDICA. 

loss of appetite, nausea, or unpleasant eructations, when non- 
astringent forms of iron or feebly-astringent ferrous salts have 
been administered. These considerations led to the ready 
acceptance of any researches or theories which should explain 
the frequent failure of the employment of the inorganic forms 
of iron." 

The theories that are advanced by the old school for the em- 
ployment of iron in anaemia are many and various, and change 
as the years bring new books upon the market. Some authors 
seem to reason on the idea of brute force, and if they can only 
keep the stomach from rebelling, even if they have, as Ringer 
says, to "humor the stomach by changing occasionally the 
preparation of iron," enough will be forced down the patient 
so that the system will be unable to eliminate it all and some will 
have to be taken up into the circulation. 

The following from Bartholow is of interest and it may prove 
an incentive to study and work out our cases of anaemia if we 
hope to effect a cure. "The physiological action of iron is not 
limited merely to the construction of red blood. When there 
is no intolerance to its presence in the stomach it promotes the 
appetite and invigorates the digestion and it is the opinion of 
some eminent authorities that the chief use of iron as a remedy, 
even in ansemia, is to promote the digestive function. Practical 
physicians are familiar with the fact that iron improves but 
little, if at all, the condition of the ansemia, when it does not 
increase the desire for food and the ability to digest it. 

"In anaemia iron is given with two objects: to furnish the 
needed material to the blood; to increase the energy of the 
primary assimilation. To accomplish the first object, small 
doses — one or two grains — of reduced iron are most suitable. 
The second object is best obtained by large doses of the most 
astringent preparations which the patient's stomach will toler- 
ate." 

"The homoeopathic principle," says Farrington, in speaking 
of anaemia, "is to correct the defective supply of hsematin which 
lies back of the want of iron in the blood. This deficiency is due 
not to want of iron in the food taken, but to want of power on 



FERRUM. - 457 

the part of the system to assimilate it," and why the system lacks 
this power and what it needs in order to regain it, we ask each 
individual case to tell us by the symptoms that it presents for our 
interpretation. 

In cases requiring Ferrum we find profound prostration and 
emaciation, usually with restlessness (160) and general relief 
from walking slowly (10); cannot keep quiet, but feels worse 
from any active effort. There is a general over-sensitiveness to 
pain (148) and to a greater or less extent a " general hemorrhagic 
diathesis" (Hering). 

The face is pale, often puffy, but with tendency to easy flushing 
of head and face from the slightest emotion of pleasure or dis- 
tress, which gives the appearance "of false plethora" (Lilienthal), 
or what Dr. S. Weir Mitchell has described as "fat anaemia." 
There is liability to violent headaches (93); the hands and 
feet are often swollen and the extremities are generally cold 
(71). 

Mentally, Ferrum is useful in melancholia or hypochondriasis 
in anaemic or chlorotic women, with gloomy forebodings and 
easy irritability. 

In the head we have the so-called congestive headaches (102), 
with violent beating (104) and hammering, and flushed face. 
In these throbbing headaches (102), which are due to anaemic 
conditions or to loss of blood, there is extreme sensitiveness to 
all external impressions (95) and the pain is greatly worse by 
any sudden motion (96) or by noise (96). The pain generally 
begins in one temple or on one side of the head and may involve 
the whole head; sometimes the skull feels as if it would burst 
open (104). With the hot and throbbing head, there are gen- 
erally cold extremities, which are always noticed, says Hughes, 
in "congestive headaches following large losses of blood." 

In exophthalmic goitre (83) we would think of Ferrum when 
the trouble was due to suppressed menstruation and associated 
with violent palpitation (112), extreme sensitiveness and great 
nervousness. 

The Ferrum patient may have ravenous hunger (119) which 
sometimes alternates with loss of appetite, or there is absolute 



458 MATERIA MEDICA. 

disgust for food, especially for meat, which is vomited. We 
frequently find a feeling of sinking or goneness in the stomach 
(179), but with no benefit from eating, on account of the diar- 
rhoea that all nourishment causes (57). 

In the diarrhoea calling for Ferrum the stools contain undi- 
gested food (60), they are, as a rule, painless and worse from 
eating or drinking (57), and with frequent movements at night. 
Associated with the diarrhoea there is generally unnatural hun- 
ger, with aggravation from satisfying it, easy flushing of the 
face, great weakness and exhausting sweats. 

Ferrum is useful for chronic diarrhoea (58), painless, watery 
and gushing (59), aggravation at night, and associated with 
coldness of the extremities and great prostration (58). It is 
to be thought of as a valuable as well as a neglected remedy in 
colliquative diarrhoea of phthisis (60), where it seems impossible 
to obtain any benefit from food as it passes right through and 
undigested. In the diarrhoea of teething children (58) we have 
painless, undigested stools (60) followed by great exhaustion 
(58); sometimes associated with vomiting, both diarrhoea and 
vomiting coming on immediately after nursing. 

It has proved of value in nocturnal enuresis (198) as well as 
in diurnal, the child wetting himself even while walking. 

There may be amenorrhoea or the menses may appear at irregu- 
lar intervals, or the menses may be too profuse and too long- 
lasting (135), with flushed face, ringing in the ears and followed 
by great debility (138). After severe uterine haemorrhage it is 
of value when we have congestive headache, bloating, coldness 
of the skin and great prostration. 

In anaemia and chlorosis the menses (17) are pale, watery and 
acrid and the patients are usually troubled with an acrid (126) 
and milky leucorrhoea. (In ansemia and chlorosis, Manganum 
is extremely useful, taking the place of Ferrum when there is 
early and scanty menstruation or when there is tendency to men- 
strual discharge between the periods.) Ferrum is valuable in 
suppressed menstruation, with haemorrhage from other parts 
(138), as from the nose, lungs, or even rectum. 

There is under Ferrum great sensitiveness of the vagina to 



FERRUM. 459 

coition (205), due either to dryness of the mucous membrane, 
or to soreness from the acrid leucorrhcea. 

Allen tells us that "the use of the various preparations of 
iron for febrile and inflammatory states has been greatly neg- 
lected" and that "it is very probable that Ferrum has been 
overlooked as a valuable remedy for inflammation of the thor- 
acic organs, for it certainly may be indicated when there is 
marked febrile excitement." 

We have in Ferrum dyspnoea and oppression of the chest (29), 
as from pressure of a hand, with marked febrile excitement, 
and it is especially indicated when these symptoms seem to 
occur from a kind of surging of blood to the chest (27). 

The cough is dry and spasmodic and may be accompanied by 
expectoration of bright-red blood (69) and there is especially 
apt to be haemoptysis (27) if we have the sensation of rush of 
blood to the chest. 

In the heart we find palpitation (111), worse from movement, 
with a full but soft pulse. In anaemic conditions we have, of 
course, palpitation. 

Ferrum is useful in lumbago that is relieved by walking about 
(10) and in rheumatic and neuralgic pains in the lower limbs 
when there is relief from moderate motion. It seems to have 
an especial affinity for the 1. deltoid (161) and it is of value for 
rheumatism about the 1. shoulder-joint, extending to the elbow, 
or to the 1. deltoid, with inability to move the arm or fingers. 

In intermittent fever Ferrum may be useful after the abuse 
of quinine (158). During the chill there is general coldness, 
especially of the extremities, the hands and feet cold and numb, 
while the head may be hot and the face red, particularly from the 
least emotion or exertion. During the fever there is burning 
heat of the palms and soles. The sweat is profuse and long-lasting 
and all the symptoms are worse while sweating (121). 

I use Ferrum 3d. 



460 MATERIA MEDICA. 

FERRUM PHOSPHORICUM. 

Iron Phosphate, Fe3(PC>4)2. 

Ferrum phos. is prepared by adding a solution of sodium 
phosphate to a solution of ferrous sulphate. The resulting pre- 
cipitate, after being washed, dried and powdered, is our officinal 
Ferrum phos. and ready to be triturated with sugar of milk. 

Ferrum phos. is one of our comparatively recent remedies, 
having been proved by Dr. J. C. Morgan, and the result published 
in 1876. 

It is one of Schiissler's twelve tissue remedies. Concerning 
Schiissler's theories we have nothing to say here; concerning the 
twelve tissue remedies, they are important ones and of great value, 
most of them having been proved before, or have been proved 
since 1873, when Schiissler's first article on them was published, 
and which we use on their homoeopathic indications. 

Ferrum phos. is indicated in conditions of increased hyper- 
emia or congestion dependent upon relaxation of muscular fibres 
of blood vessels, with heat, redness and pain, a quickened pulse, 
thirst and sweat, which latter does not afford relief (185). 

It is similar to Aeon, in being useful in a state of hyperemia, 
before exudation has taken place; like Aeon., it is useful in the 
beginning of trouble. 

You know that the practicing physician does not use Aeon. 
as frequently as some of our other remedies, for the reason that 
he is seldom called in time. When he reaches the case the 
Aeon, stage of invasion has usually passed. Ferrum phos. fol- 
lows directly after Aeon, and for that reason we often give the 
former, when if we had seen the case earlier our first prescription 
would have been Aeon. 

Ferrum phos. is useful in the early stage of meningitis (133), 
with fever, suffused eyes, full but soft pulse, drowsiness and 
heaviness; useful in violent headaches during menstruation 
(95), with great heat and sensitiveness of the head to touch 
(91), and for severe, throbbing (102), congestive headaches, 
followed and relieved by nosebleed (93). 

The epistaxis of Ferrum phos. is of bright red blood, is noticed. 



FERRUM PHOSPHORICUM. 461 

perhaps, " especially in children, and a concomitant of other 
complaints" (Schiissler). 

It is an excellent remedy in earache (63) and for inflammation 
after manipulation, the hyperemia of the drum (64) being a 
guide in its selection. 

Ferrum phos. is to be thought of in dyspepsia, with headache 
(97), nausea and vomiting and aggravation from acids (176); 
it is also to be thought of for women, for the persistent vomiting 
of food, often before eating in the morning. 

In the bladder we find retention of urine in children (200), 
with fever; irritable bladder or acute inflammation there, with 
frequent urging, the pain relieved by urinating; and haemorrhage 
from the bladder. Schiissler speaks of " incontinence of urine 
from weakness of the sphincter" and most authors of all journals 
praise Ferrum phos. for diurnal as well as nocturnal enuresis 
(198) ; I have met with but little success with it here. 

It is a remedy to be thought of in cholera infantum, brought 
on b}^ a sudden change of temperature or checking of perspira- 
tion (58) ; the stools are watery or even bloody, and associated 
with fever, red face, full and soft pulse. 

While nothing is said under Ferrum met. concerning the ovaries 
or the side affected, and but little under Phos., and that little 
pointing to the 1. side, in Ferrum phos. the 1. ovary is spoken of 
as being especially involved and it is a remedy of value in ovarian 
neuralgia of the 1. side (147) and in dysmenorrhoea, with head- 
ache, frequent urging to urinate and pains in sacrum and 1. 
ovary. 

On the respiratory organs Ferrum phos. is of frequent use, and 
in the early stage of pleurisy and pneumonia (150) it is often 
called for. 

Ferrum phos. has the fever and congestion of Ferrum met. and 
the dyspnoea and oppression of the chest of both Ferrum met. 
and Phos., so as Allen says, "in a general way, symptoms of 
oppression like Phos., with the evident fever and congestion of 
Fer. should be treated by this drug." 

Dr. Shelton speaks of the oppression of the chest under Ferrum 
phos. in this way: "Both Ferrum and Phos. have oppression of 



462 MATERIA MEDICA. 

the chest as from a weight, or as if the hand lay on the chest, 
while Ferrum phos. has additional oppression, or as if both 
hands lay like a weight on the chest" (29). 

The cough of Ferrum phos. is usually short and hacking and 
there may be expectoration of blood, either streaked (69) or 
clear. 

Ferrum phos. is of value in muscular rheumatism (it seems 
here to affect the r. shoulder and deltoid) and in articular rheu- 
matism of the large (161) as well as of the small joints (161), 
with shooting pains, heat, redness and swelling. 

I use Ferrum phos. 3d. 

FERRUM CITRATE and FERRUM PICRATE. 

Both of these remedies are of value in anaemic conditions (15), 
due to, or associated with profuse menstruation, followed by 
great exhaustion (138). 

Owing to the absence of thorough provings and detailed clinical 
reports of these chemical combinations, they have been used either 
on the symptoms as found under the separate drugs or from 
personal choice, with the result that a good deal of discredit 
has been cast upon them for their failure to cure. 

Talcott says: "The form of iron from which we have obtained 
the best results has been the citrate." 

Ferrum picrate would be the choice when, in addition to the 
general prostration, we have occipital headache and brain-fag 
from any mental effort. 

I use Ferrum citrate and Ferrum picrate 3x. 

FLUORIC ACID. 

Hydrofluoric Acid, HF. 

By the distillation of fluor spar (calcium fluoride, CaF2) with 
sulphuric acid, we have the hydrofluoric acid driven off and the 
calcium sulphate left in the retort. 

(Our remedy Calcarea fluor ata is made from this same fluor 
spar.) 

Hering, under whose direction Fluoric acid was first proved, 



FLUORIC ACID. 463 

advises that it be kept in silver vials up to the 5th, on account 
of its well-known properties of " eating glass." At present our 
pharmacists run it up to the 3d with distilled water in gutta- 
percha vials. 

It is one of the remedies that I would advise you to let the 
pharmacist prepare for you, as he will take greater precautions 
against inhaling the vapor, which is very irritating to all mucous 
membranes, as well as taking care not to spill any of the liquid 
on the skin, as it causes deep, non-healing sores. 

Fluoric acid is a remedy indicated in deep, destructive pro- 
cesses, the periosteal, osseous and connective tissues being 
especially affected; and in a general way it is useful for an un- 
healthy condition of the tissues in broken-down conditions, as 
in old people (147) and for drunkards (176); useful in syphi- 
litic destruction of tissues; for exostoses and bone-pains; in dis- 
eases of the bones generally; in varicose veins (205); in bed-sores 
(21), especially in typhoid; also in diseases of the skin, ulcerations, 
nsevi and for lupus-like tubercles (128). 

There are in Fluoric acid two symptoms that we want to keep 
in mind, especially as regards tumors, felons and ulcers; one, the 
relief from cold applications; the other, the need for energetic 
and rapid motion, "it seems as if she could walk forever" (10). 

Fluoric acid is a valuable remedy in lachrymal fistula (125), 
in dental fistula (187) and in caries of the jaw-bone (123). 

We might mention here that Calc. fluor. is known, even from 
its imperfect provings, to be frequently indicated in conditions 
of the bones and teeth instead of Fluoric acid. Silica is closely 
allied to Fluoric acid and in diseases of the bones Fluoric acid 
follows well after Silica and is especially indicated when the latter 
"apparently does some good but fails to complete the cure;" it 
is also of value after "Silica has been abused" (Farrington). 

Fluoric acid is of value in the easy decay of the teeth (186), 
the enamel rough or deficient, and associated with sensitiveness 
to touch and to food. 

It is a remedy useful in syphilitic ulcerations of the throat, 
with great swelling and destruction of tissue, fetid odor, and as 
Allen says, "throat very sensitive to cold." 



464 MATERIA MEDICA. 

It is useful in hepatic engorgement and induration (127), as 
the result of alcoholic excesses (127), and in ascites (11) due 
to hepatic disease; with these symptoms, especially in drinkers 
— bilious vomiting and diarrhcea, a desire for highly-seasoned 
food (9) and an aversion to coffee (5). 

While on this subject it may be well for us to remember that 
all alcoholic stimulants are not purchased at the corner liquor 
store, for, according to a report of the Massachusetts State Board 
of Health, there is the following amount of alcohol, by volume, 
in these proprietary articles: 

Hostetter's Stomach Bitters 44.3% 

Warner's Safe Tonic 35.7% 

Peruna 28.5% 

Ayer's Sarsaparilla 26.0% 

Hood's Sarsaparilla 18.0% 

Paine's Celery Compound 21.0% 

Lydia Pinkham's Vegetable Compound 20.6% 

Vinol, Wine of Cod-liver Oil 18.8% 

Greene's Nervura 17.0% 

In comparison, we find in beverages the following amount of 
alcohol: 

Beer 2-10% 

Wines 8-20% 

Champagnes 25% 

Wilson Whiskey 44.6% 

Fluoric acid has been used with success for neuralgia of the 
coccyx (34), with excessive aching, and for synovitis of the 
knee-joint (125), with much pain and aching. 

It is a valuable remedy for felons (81), especially of the 
thumb and fore-finger, with terrible throbbing pain, "throbs 
like sin/' and necessity to keep walking (10) as the pain is so 
severe they cannot keep still; the pains are better from cold 
applications. 

The nails in Fluoric acid grow rapidly, become crumpled, or 
wrinkled, and have longitudinal furrows in them (141). 

Fluoric acid seems to affect the veins and to restore their 
tone, and it is to be thought of especially in old and obstinate 



GAULTHERIA. 465 

varicose veins and ulcers (205), with relief from bathing in cold 
water and aggravation from warm applications. Hering adds, 
varicose veins "in women who have borne many children." 
I use Fluoric acid 6th. 

GAMBOGIA. 

Gamboge, a Gum-resin. 

(First obtained from Cambodia, or Camboga, a dependency of 
France, in southeastern Asia, hence the name, Gambogia.) 

Gamboge, which is used as a yellow pigment in water-color 
painting, was first proved by Dr. Nenning, of Germany. 

It is a powerful drastic cathartic, often producing nausea and 
vomiting, and is a valuable remedy for diarrhoea, having as one 
characteristic, pain before and relief after (61) the movement. 
The stool is thin, yellow or green (59) and watery, or with some 
mucus; the necessity is urgent and the expulsion all at once, 
in one gush, and accompanied with burning in anus (61) and 
protrusion (160). 

Intense itching of the eyelids, so that' children rub them 
frequently, is said to be a marked indication calling for the 
remedy in the diarrhoea of children. 

It is of value for the diarrhoea of old people. 

I have used Gambogia only in the 2d. 

GAULTHERIA. 

WlNTERGREEN. 

(Gaultheria — named after Dr. Gaultier, of Quebec.) 

The leaves which are used to prepare our tincture were also 
used for an infusion during the Revolutionary War, hence the 
common names for the evergreen — Mountain or Jersey tea. 

Our only provings have been the result of over-doses of the 
oil and essence. 

Allen speaks of it, under Clinical notes, as follows: "The oil 
of wintergreen has been very largely used for both acute and 
subacute rheumatism. The plant itself contains salicylic acid, 



466 MATERIA MEDICA. 

and to this fact may be due some of the beneficial effects of the 
drug. It has also proved useful in pleurodynia (120) in the 
anterior part of the chest." 

GELSEMIUM. 

Wild or Yellow Jessamine. 

(Italian — Gelsomino, jessamine.) 

Although the name of this plant is variously spelled and fre- 
quently mispronounced, Gel-se-mium is correct. 

Gelsemium, a beautiful climbing plant, with yellow flowers, 
indigenous to the southern United States, is perhaps the most 
valuable remedy that this country has as yet contributed to the 
Homoeopathic Materia Medica. Its medical history only goes 
back to the time when a Mississippi planter, sick with bilious 
fever, was cured with an infusion of the gelsemium root, which 
was administered in mistake for that of another plant. 

The first provings were made by Dr. John H. Henry, of Phila- 
delphia, in 1852. In 1862, Dr. E. M. Hale, of Chicago, published 
a monograph of the results of provings and experiments that he 
had made with the drug. "Such was the interest excited by this 
brochure, that the whole edition was disposed of in a very short 
time, and the remedy rose in the estimation of physicians, till 
it took a front rank along with Aconite and Belladonna in the 
armamentarium of homoeopathic practitioners" (Hale). 

With increased knowledge of the value of the remedy have come 
added demands for it, until at the present time there are few, 
and perhaps no other one remedy, that you will have more 
frequent use for than the one that we are considering. 

Gelsemium produces prostration, spinal convulsions and par- 
alysis, lowering the force and rate of the heart and finally paralyz- 
ing respiration. Consciousness is preserved to the last stage of 
life. 

"It affects principally the nerves of motion; causing muscular 
prostration through the nerves" (Hering), and we find in gen- 
eral, great prostration and loss of muscular power, with disin- 
clination to make any effort, and, says Hale, "dimness of vision, 



GELSEMIUM. • 467 

slight or complete, is nearly always present, together with drop- 
ping of the eyelids, with much difficulty in opening them." 

It is a remedy to be thought of in paralysis of various groups 
of muscles, eyes, throat, sphincters, extremities, etc., and in 
various forms of hysteria and hysterical convulsions, a kind of 
hystero-epilepsy (120). 

It is to be thought of prominently in catarrhal affections of 
various mucous membranes, with a relaxed and debilitated con- 
dition of the system, noticed particularly in women, and especi- 
ally when caused by damp, muggy weather. Another sphere of 
usefulness is in neuralgias of various sorts, with loss of control 
of the part, pain in the muscles of the back, hips and lower ex- 
tremities, the pains being mostly deep-seated. It is also of 
frequent use in conditions of passive or venous congestion (207). 

It is an important fever remedy and it is one of the prominent 
thirstless drugs (189). 

Mentally the Gelsemium patient is listless and indolent; his 
ideas flow on in a disconnected fashion and the attempt to think 
connectedly causes a painful feeling in the head (93), with 
dizziness, heat of face and cold feet (71). In low types of 
fever the mental faculties are either dull, with more or less stupor 
and desire to be let alone, or there is great depression of spirits, 
with fear of death. 

It is a remedy frequently indicated in bodily ailments, especi- 
ally diarrhoea (57), uterine symptoms, etc., resulting from 
emotional excitement, such as the anticipation of any unusual 
ordeal, appearing in public, etc., or from sudden bad news, grief 
or fear (57). 

Vertigo is common in conditions calling for Gelsemium; it is 
associated with blurring of vision, or loss of sight, and lack of 
muscular steadiness, especially weakness of the knees (125) so 
that he staggers when walking. The vertigo is worse when 
walking or from any sudden movement of the head (207). 

Headache is the usual accompaniment of cases requiring this 
remedy, the condition being frequently one of venous conges- 
tion, with fulness and heaviness of head, soreness of scalp and 
brain and with a feeling as if the head were constricted by a 
band (105). 
31 



468 ' MATERIA MEDICA. 

Another prominent symptom is where the pain is seated in the 
posterior part of the head (100) and associated with dizziness 
and muscular soreness. The pains extend to the shoulders and 
spine, or from the occiput the pain passes through the head to 
the eyes, which become sore to the touch. The headaches are 
worse from heat (95) or hot applications. 

It is to be thought of where the head feels confused and large, 
as if full of stagnant blood, and in general nervous headache, 
with soreness of the head, face and teeth, and associated with 
attacks of blindness (98) and dizziness. It is one of the few 
remedies where the headache is generally relieved after the dis- 
charge of profuse, watery urine (93). 

It is useful in menstrual headache (95), with blurred vision 
and nausea and vomiting, which latter relieves the headache, 
also in headache at the climacteric (96), with drowsiness, vertigo 
and blurred vision, the pain in the head, in both conditions, being 
relieved by profuse menstruation. 

In cerebro-spinal meningitis (133) Gelsemium is to be thought 
of when we have, amongst other symptoms, extreme tenderness 
of the occipital region and intolerance of the slightest touch. 

In the eyes, besides the blurring or dimness of vision so con- 
stantly found under the remedy, it is of frequent use in serous 
inflammations, including serous iritis, with a dull aching pain 
within the eyeball and more or less indifference to external irri- 
tants, such as light (76). 

It is of value in paralysis of the upper lid, with drooping of the 
lid, ptosis (78), and in paralysis of the muscles of the eye, causing 
at times, double vision (77). This double vision is noticed on 
inclining the head to either side, there being single vision when 
holding the head erect; also double vision that can be controlled 
by an effort of the will. It is also to be thought of in asthenopia 
due to muscular weakness (72). 

In the ears, we must think of this remedy in deafness due to the 
use of quinine, as well as in deafness the result of catarrh of the 
middle ear and Eustachian tube (63). 

There is in Gelsemium a disposition to take cold (5), either 
from the slightest change in the weather to cold, or when during; 



GELSEMIUM. 469 

warm and foggy days, the patient, after exercising, sits down in 
the line of a draft or in a cool room. 

It is a prominent remedy in an acute nasal catarrh, the plain 
cold in the head, where the patient says that she knows that she 
has taken a heavy cold because of the great muscular soreness and 
bruised feeling that she experiences. This is a condition that is 
especially prevalent in summer, from the influence of a cool, damp 
atmosphere, or in winter or summer, from a sudden change in the 
weather from dry to damp (9). As physical accompaniments 
we find, inflammation of the throat, pain in the throat extending 
to the ear when swallowing (191), deafness, headache, physical 
weakness and muscular soreness (166). 

Gelsemium is to be remembered in hay-fever (88), with all of 
the above and especially with the head symptoms prominent, 
while in grip it is the most frequently called for remedy in our 
materia medica in the beginning of the disease. Here, as well as 
in fresh cold, the following group of symptoms are apt to present 
themselves in cases calling for this remedy: Chilliness in back, 
with desire to cover up warmly or to hug the fire ; fever, without 
thirst (189), restlessness or anxiety, but with a dull, heavy, torpid 
condition in which they want to be left alone and not bothered 
with questions concerning their symptoms; headache, the head 
feels heavy and congested as if filled with stagnant blood, with no 
desire to hold the head, as the trouble seems to be that it is already 
bound up; dizziness, suffused eyes, sneezing and more or less 
watery mucus from the nose. Along with this, and equally prom- 
inent, we find an aching all over the body, especially noticeable 
in the shoulders and lower extremeties, and an afternoon aggra- 
vation. 

Gelsemium is to be thought of in neuralgia of the face, pains 
sharp, face congested and dusky, associated with headache, 
vertigo and dimness of vision. 

It may be useful during dentition (187), when the child has fever, 
vertigo, drowsiness, sometimes dilated pupils and dim vision, 
although it is one of the minor remedies in reference to this symp- 
tom of Hering's, " child frantic at times, especially when gums are 
examined." 



470 ilATERIA MEDICA. 

Gdsemium is useful in paralysis of the tongue (192),, with indis- 
tinct speech, the tongue feeling thick and numb, and it is fre- 
quently called for in various forms of sore throat,, a prominent 
symptom being, when on swallowing the pain shoots from the 
throat up to the ears (191). In follicular tonsillitis, especially 
in the beginning, in addition to the pain running to the ears on 
swallowing, we would find the aching in the shoulders and the 
muscular weakness so characteristic of the remedy. 

We also find it is of value in difficulty in swallowing due to 
paralysis of the pharyngeal muscles, as well as for paralysis of 
the throat following diphtheria (62), with, perhaps, a feeling of a 
lump in the throat which cannot be swallowed. We may find 
this same feeling of a lump in the throat as caUing for the remedy 
in hysteria (119). 

It is a rule that the Gelsemium patient has no thirst (189), but 
occasionally exceptions to this are found. 

In the stomach we are apt to have either a sensation of weak- 
ness or emptiness (179), with, probably, the idea that something 
must be eaten whether there is desire for food or not, or a sensa- 
tion of oppression or weight on the stomach, or a feeling as of a 
heavy load in the stomach (179). 

It is to be thought of in hiccough (116) and it has relieved 
some chrome cases, when there has been an evening aggravation. 

It has proved useful in gastro-intestinal catarrh, with jaundice 
(122), persistent nausea, dizziness and diarrhoea, and it is of 
value in passive congestion of the liver, with vertigo and blurred 
vision. In many of these conditions Bry. and Gelsemium have 
numerous similar symptoms and you will find that the choice 
between the two remedies will often be determined by the pres- 
ence or absence of thirst. 

Gelsemium is a valuable remedy in diarrhoea, both acute and 
chronic, resulting from depressing emotions, such as fright 
(57), grief (57) or any emotional excitement. The stools are 
generally painless and often involuntary. There is frequently 
found a paralysis of the sphincter ani (160) and in some cases a 
partial prolapsus of the rectum (160). 

There is an increase of urine in all nervous conditions (199) 



GELSEMIUM. 471 

and Gelsemium is of great value in those cases of nervous excite- 
ment previous to the performance of a necessary but distasteful 
task, such as an examination, one's maiden speech, or going to see 
her father at his office, with weakness of the knees (125), cold 
extremities (71) and frequent micturition of clear, watery urine. 
We also find a loss of power in the bladder (21), especially in old 
men (199) or following diphtheria, with difficulty in retaining the 
urine, as well as paralysis of the fundus of the bladder, with the 
resulting retention and distention (22). In incomplete paralysis 
of the bladder the flow is intermittent (199), with a feeling as if 
something remained behind after urinating (200). 

In the male sexual organs the most noticeable feature of the 
remedy is the pronounced weakness and relaxation, so that while 
an erection is but a memory, emissions take place on the slightest 
provocation (167). 

In the female, Gelsemium is of value in congestion (venous) 
and heaviness of the uterus, associated with melancholia, and 
in inflammation of the ovaries, with the characteristic headache. 
It is of value for suppression of the menses, with congestion of 
the head, or even convulsions. 

In dysmenorrhoea and during labor the pains are shooting, 
going up the back and down the thighs, associated with head- 
ache, faintness and vertigo. It is useful for " nervous chills in 
the first stage of labor" (Hering), or when the os feels thick 
and flabby, yet will not relax, as well as for inefficient labor 
pains (153), when the pains shoot upward, instead of pressing 
downward. We must remember it in threatening puerperal 
convulsions (155), with stupidity, twitching of muscles, albumin- 
uria, and sharp cutting pains from the neck of the uterus up- 
ward. 

Gelsemium is to be thought of in " nervous aphonia, with dry- 
ness of the throat" (Hering), as well as in paralytic aphonia 
that is noticed only during menstruation. 

It is of frequent use in catarrhal affections of the air-passages, 
with the general aching and the relaxed condition of the system; 
useful in dyspnoea, with a sense of fulness in the chest, cold ex- 
tremities, threatening suffocation and desire for fresh air (9); 



472 MATERIA MEDICA. 

also in threatening paralysis of the lungs (30), especially in old 
people. 

The heart's action in Gelsemium is usually feeble, the pulse 
soft and weak, and a symptom frequently met with is a feeling 
as if the heart would stop beating (113) if she did not move 
about. There is nervous (111) and hysterical palpitation and a 
sensation of oppression about the heart (110) the effects of grief 

(HI). 

In a little book, "The Garden of a Commuter's Wife," there 
is a family talk as to whether expenditures are warranted or not, 
and we find this sentence: "Father" (a doctor) "jokingly adds 
that the cause of much physical and all mental disease is 'biting 
off more than one can chew.'" 

We, as physicians, are constantly meeting with the results of 
this increase of responsibilities, and whether due to financial, 
social or church burdens, Gelsemium is frequently the remedy. 
In addition to the symptoms already given, including mental 
heaviness, with an inability to reason out the problem, fear and 
apprehension as to the ultimate outcome, we have prominently, 
a state of physical or nervous restlessness with inability to keep 
quiet even when the opportunity offers. Many of these cases 
will be unable to wholly eliminate the source of worry and Gel- 
semium will need to be taken regularly and for a long time as it 
will help to keep in tone the unstrung nerves. As far as I have 
been enabled to see, no tolerant or bad effect follows the pro- 
longed use of the remedy. 

In the extremities there is coldness (71), with loss of power and 
of control. 

In the lower extremities the gait is staggering and the limbs feel 
as heavy as lead, with inability to "direct their movements with 
precision" (Hering); it may prove useful in paraplegia and in 
locomotor ataxia, and it is to be thought of in rheumatism, with 
soreness of the flesh. 

In the upper extremities we find it useful when the hands become 
very tired after playing on the piano, and for writer's cramp (209). 

In general, in Gelsemium, we have trembling of all limbs (192) 
and weak knees (125); loss of muscular control; numbness (146) 
and lack of sensibility of the extremities. 



GLONOINE. 473 

Gelsemium is a very valuable remedy in eruptive fevers, especi- 
ally measles, with catarrhal symptoms of the eyes, nose and 
throat, great prostration and perhaps stupor, livid eruption and 
no thirst. It is not only useful to develop the eruption (130) but 
also to keep it out. 

In malarial fevers, whether the so-called bilious-remittents, of 
the South, or as we find them in this section, the symptoms call- 
ing for Gelsemium are apt to be pronounced and unmistakable. 
There is periodicity to the attack, which generally comes on to- 
ward evening; 4-5 p. m., I look upon as the most prominent time 
of aggravation for all febrile conditions calling for the remedy. 

The chill may be slight beginning in the back (121), or it may 
be wanting, but there will be a prolonged type of fever (121). 
Throughout the paroxysm there will be great aching and prostra- 
tion of the whole muscular system, and no thirst. 

The fever is accompanied by headache, stupor, or possibly 
delirium, dizziness, blindness and faintness, and this is followed 
by perspiration, which relieves the pains (121). 

It is to be thought of for " suppressed intermittents, with 
general prostration, aching and soreness in body, 'dumb ague'" 
(Hering), and " where the remittent takes on the intermittent 
type" (H. C. Allen). 

In typhoid fever it is frequently called for (193) in the early 
stage, with vertigo and dimness of vision, a tired feeling in all the 
limbs, great weakness and tremulousness of the extremities, soft, 
compressible pulse. 

It is useful in nervous chills, the result of emotional excitement 
or depression, "in which, with shivering and chattering of teeth, 
there is no sensation of chilliness" (Hering). 

I use Gelsemium in the tincture. 

GLONOINE. 

Nitroglycerine — C3H5N3O9. 
Nitro-glycerine, a mixture of glycerine on nitric and sulphuric 
acids, was discovered by Dr. A. Sobrero, while a student in Paris, 
in 1847, but it is only since 1862 that it has been manufactured 
on a large scale. 



474 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Dr. C. Hering, who first proved Glonoine (he published the prov- 
ing within a year of its discovery, 1848-9), was unable to obtain 
it for experimentation until a Philadelphia chemist, Morris Davis, 
succeeded, under the direction of Hering, in making a sufficient 
quantity for proving. 

Hering, in naming it, took the first two letters of the word gly- 
cerine and the symbols and N ; then because there was an excess 
of oxygen in the mixture, or for the sake of euphony, he added 
another O; completing this by the terminal ine, he gave us the 
word Glonoine. 

One part by weight of pure nitro-glycerine is dissolved in nine 
parts by weight of 95 % alcohol, making our strongest preparation 
the one-tenth or lx. 

You all know of the dangers associated with the handling of 
nitro-glycerine, and that its mixture with something that will 
hold it in suspension, such as infusorial earth, renders it compara- 
tively safe if treated with respect and not subjected to much cold. 
Nitro-glycerine is soluble in alcohol and the solution is non-ex- 
plosive ; but to keep it so, even the one-tenth solution must not be 
exposed to a temperature of less than 60° F., otherwise part of 
the nitro-glycerine separates and falls to the bottom. 

The word Glonoine, as used by us, is not accepted by the old 
school, who prefer to call it by its commercial name. As they 
use it much oftener than we do, this is to their advantage, inas- 
much as by so doing they are not obliged to acknowledge openly 
any homoeopathic source for their information concerning the 
drug. 

I was surprised in looking in a copy of Dunglison's Medical 
Dictionary to find that under nitro-glycerine I was referred to 
the word glonoine. The reason why was evident when I no- 
ticed that the book was published in 1874, or twenty-five years 
after Hering had told all the world, who cared to read, about its 
value as a remedy. How long it took the old school to learn about 
nitro-glycerine I cannot tell you, but in two of their standard 
works on Materia Medica and Therapeutics (Bartholow and 
Ringer), published in 1878 and 1876, no mention is made of it. 

Dr. R. N. Foster, of Chicago, says of Glonoine: "By means of 



GLONOINE. 475 

the homoeopathic proving its precise sphere of action was deter- 
mined before it had been tested by any clinical experiment. 
Many years after Hering had announced this remedy, the Acad- 
emy of Medicine in Paris bestowed special honors upon a French 
physician for ' discovering ' the same long-published facts. In 
so doing, that distinguished body of physicians crowned Hering, 
Hahnemann and Homoeopathy, and covered themselves with 
dishonor" (Am. Inst. Horn. Trans., ? 86). 

Glonoine is identical in its physiological action with Amyl 
nitrite, although more lasting, paralyzing the peripheral vaso- 
motor nerves and causing dilation of arterioles and capillaries, 
and rapid and violent action of the heart. A very prominent 
symptom, therefore, under Glonoine, and one that we usually 
find when prescribing the remedy, is of an increased blood supply 
to the part, head generally included, with great throbbing and 
feeling as if the part affected would burst, so great is the pressure 
of the blood. 

Mentally it has proved valuable for the after effects of trau- 
matism, fright, fear (80), etc., which show themselves in sudden 
attacks of terror, or confusion of mind, so that he is afraid to go 
out into the street alone. We also have confusion of ideas so 
that he cannot tell where he is when on the street; a loss of the 
sensation of location so that he loses his way in well-known 
places; cannot tell which side of the street his house is on; 
places that should be familiar seem strange, and if he turns the 
corner, is unable to find his way home. This condition is accom- 
panied by an increased blood supply to the head. 

In epilepsy (67) it is of value when there is a great rush of 
blood to the head (102) and vascular excitement generally. In 
acute mania or insanity it is useful when the head is hot, full and 
throbbing (102), eyes staring, pulse very rapid and with pulsa- 
tion in the carotids, and often with short outbreaks of frantic 
maniacal excitement. 

Glonoine is a most valuable remedy for headache, hemicrania 
(99) and supraorbital congestions from a great variety of causes, 
including excessive heat (98) and suppressed menstruation 
(95), with rush of blood to the head and strong pulsation there 
(102), or throbbing with every beat of the heart. 



476 MATERIA MEDICA. 

This throbbing is very noticeable in the carotids, which are 
raised and feel like whip-cords, and is even felt in the tips of the 
fingers. There may be a sensation as if one were hanging with 
the head downward and there was a great rush of blood in con- 
sequence; a feeling as if the brain surged in waves against the 
skull (91), or a feeling as if the skull were too small and the 
brain were trying to burst through (104). These various sensa- 
tions are accompanied by violent action of the heart and pulsa- 
tion over the whole body. Intense, violent, frightful and 
terrible are some of the words used in our Materia Medic a to de- 
scribe the headaches calling for this remedy, while miners, in 
their usual picturesque manner, speak of the headache caused 
by the inhalation of the fumes after the explosion of nitro-glycerine 
as "the damndest headache you ever had." 

Dunglison's Dictionary, 1874, says of Glonoine: " Little is yet 
known of its therapeutic effects. A drop, brought in contact 
with the lips, or even the vapor, is said to have caused the most 
distressing headache; hence it has been used in headache by the 
homoeopathists." 

It is this same dictionary that gives these definitions of Homoe- 
opathy: "A fanciful doctrine, which maintains that disordered 
actions in the human body are to be cured by inducing other 
disordered actions of a like kind, and this is to be accomplished 
by infinitesimaUy small doses, often of apparently inert agents. 
It has been called Globulism." 

If, as some philosophers maintain, happiness is dependent 
upon ignorance, the old-school practitioners should be a jolly set. 

Glon. is to be thought of in cerebral congestion during preg- 
nancy and in threatening apoplexy (18). It is of value for 
those who work " steadily under gas-light, so that the heat falls 
on the head" (Hering) and who have a throbbing headache in 
consequence, and it is very frequently indicated for the effects 
of sunstroke (98) or of heat prostration, Hering even saying, 
"headache begins with warm weather and lasts all summer, in- 
creases and decreases every day with the sun (95) ; great sensi- 
tiveness to the rays of the sun, and to pressure from covering of 
head." 



GRAPHITES. 477 

It is of value in congestion of the head, with symptoms of 
cerebro-spinal meningitis (133), pains along the whole length 
of the spine, rising up to the occiput. 

It is to be thought of for supraorbital neuralgia, with pulsating 
pain and for congestion of the retina, due to exposure to a bright 
light (74). ^ 

Glonoine is of value for suppression of the menses (134) from 
excitement, or at the climacteric (32), with intense congestion 
of the head and flushing of the face, or where the menses do not 
appear at the proper date but with intense congestion of blood 
to the head (95) in their place. It is also of value for puerperal 
convulsions (155). 

The circulation is especially affected in Glonoine and we have 
palpitation with violent beating of the heart (112), the pulsa- 
tions felt all over the body even to the tips of the fingers. 
In angina pectoris (107) we would find a sensation of rush of 
blood to the heart (113) and then to the head; at times with 
fluttering of the heart (109), then violent beating (112) as if it 
would burst the chest open, with labored breathing and pains 
about the heart radiating in all directions, even into both arms 
(110), with loss of power in the arms. 

I use Glonoine 6th. 

GRAPHITES. 

Graphite — Plumbago — Black-lead. 

(Graphite — ypd4>rj, graphe, writing -f tie, like or of the nature 
of.) 

Graphite is one of the forms under which carbon occurs in 
nature. While the use of the word "lead" as a synonym is of 
course a misnomer, its use is probably too firmly implanted in 
our speech and literature to admit of its ever being eradicated. 

Hahnemann, who first proved Graphites, tells us that "the 
purest plumbago is a sort of mineral carbon, and the small contents 
of iron are probably to be viewed merely as an admixture not 
essential to the nature of plumbago;" nevertheless we must keep 
in mind that while an impurity, iron is always found in graphite, 



478 MATERIA MEDICA. 

giving its own symptoms to the pathogenesis of the drug and 
enhancing those that graphite and iron have in common. 

Graphites, which Hahnemann said to run up to the 30th, is a 
profound tissue remedy, having a long period of action, so there 
is no use in repeating the dose too frequently, and it shows par- 
ticular tendency to develop a cutaneous phase of internal disor- 
ders. (In those who have made provings of Graphites, there 
has, at one time or another, been developed a skin affection.) 

The action of Graphites on the skin is marked and in general 
terms we have moist, "sticky, transparent, watery fluid from 
any raw T or sore place" (H. N. Guernsey). The skin is "un- 
healthy, not inclined to heal and every injury suppurates " 
(Hering) (183). "It is useful," says Dearborn, "for persons 
who have inherited or acquired a preternatural dryness of the 
skin, and who suffer from moist eruptions on slight external 
irritation or injury." 

Thickening of the skin is prominent, resulting in fissures or 
cracks, noticed especially on the fingers (71) and between the 
toes, and in corners at the junction of the skin and mucous mem- 
brane, mouth (141), nose (145), anus (159), etc. 

Itching is not as pronounced as in many other remedies, but 
when found it is, as a rule, worse from w T armth (122) and at 
night, and "better from washing" (Dearborn). "The action of 
Graphites," says Dunham, "on the skin, the digestive apparatus, 
and the male and female sexual organs is of great importance. 
It is eminently a polychrest." 

As to the type of patient; Graphites is of value in young- 
girls with chlorosis (17), a tendency to rush of blood to the 
head (103) and flushing of the face, w T ith coldness of the extremities 
(71) especially at night in bed. She is despondent, "feels mis- 
erable" (Hering) and unhappy, is apprehensive about the future 
(132), with thoughts of nothing but death. There is either 
amenorrhcea (134) or the menses are too late (136) pale and 
scanty, or irregular as to time and appearance. There is a pro- 
fuse white leucorrhcea, and the patient has a pimply eruption on 
the face, which is worse before the onset of the menstrual flow 
(138), and she is troubled with constipation. 



GRAPHITES. 479 

Hahnemann was the first to call our attention to the fact that 
41 where chronic constipation and menses, delaying several days, 
cause trouble, Graphites is often indispensable" (Chr. Dis.). 

Older women requiring Graphites have a tendency to grow 
fat and are subject to menstrual irregularities and herpetic 
eruptions. Farrington, in speaking of this condition, says: 
"We find Graphites acting best in constitutions in which there 
is a tendency to obesity. This obesity ... is not a healthy, 
solid flesh, that belongs to a full-blooded, strong, healthy indi- 
vidual, but it is that kind of fat which you find under Calcarea 
ostearum, showing improper nutrition." 

Allen reminds us that "the obesity of Graph, is more par- 
ticularly seen in older people, that of Calc. in children." 

Hering sums up this type of patient when he says, Graphites 
is "adapted to women inclined to obesity, who suffer from 
habitual constipation, and whose history reveals a tendency to 
delaying menstruation." 

Graphites has a preference for the 1. side of the body (125) 
and if there is any favoritism shown by the remedy in reference 
to complexion, the blondes have it. 

In the head we have either the rush of blood to the head (103), 
previously spoken of, and found especially in chlorosis and 
amenorrhcea, or we have a violent semilateral headache (99), 
with numbness of the head (91), and due to amenorrhcea or to 
suppression of the menses (95). 

A feeling as if the inside of the head were numb and made of 
pith, when associated with delayed or suppressed menstruation, 
usually calls for Graphites. 

Graphites is of value for eczematous eruptions, involving the 
whole scalp, with moist exudations and scabs and matting of the 
hair (88). 

It is a remedy of frequent use in inflammatory conditions of 
the eyelids, conjunctiva and cornea, with thin, acrid discharge 
from the eyes and nose. It is of value for chronic ciliary blephar- 
itis, the edges of the lids swollen and inclined to crack and ulcer- 
ate, for the formation of dry crusts in the lashes (78), with 
dryness, burning (73) and itching, and for tumors of the lids 



450 MATERIA MEDICA. 

(79) that form directly on the margin of the lid; also for ulcers 
(77) and pustules of the cornea (76). with photophobia, soreness 
and especially with cracks in the outer corners of the eyes. 

(Remember that while Graphites shows a marked tendency to 
affect the outer corner of the eye. Zinc has an equally pronounced 
one for the inner canthus.) 

Graphites is of value for deafness after scarlet fever (63) or for 
chronic catarrh of the middle ear (63), with thin, offensive 
discharge (63). a feeling as if a membrane covered the ears or 
as of valves opening and shutting, with every step, and cracking 
on moving the jaws or on swallowing (64). Deafness better in 
a noise. 

It is of frequent use for eczema of the outer ear and especially 
behind the ear (64). the skin cracks and bleeds and the exuda- 
tion is moist and sticky. 

Around the mouth and nose a similar condition finds Graphites 
of great value, an eczema, with cracks in the comers of the 
mouth and wings of the nose (145). 

It is of value for nasal catarrh, with internal dryness and 
great soreness, formation of dried mucus (143) or '''clinkers"' 
and general bad odor from the nose (148) ; the nostrils externally 
are ulcerated, cracked and bleeding. 

Graphites has a symptom that is frequently met with, although 
I do not know of the remedy being used to any extent to correct 
the trouble, and that is, great acuteness of the sense of smell 
(171). she cannot tolerate the odor of flowers. 

We have in Graphites a sensation of a cobweb on the face 
(79) and the remedy is of use in erysipelas (6S). with this 
sensation and a burning and itching in the eruption, associated 
with ulcers about the nose and mouth. 

I wish to say a word in reference to the seeming value of 
Graphites to remove the tendency to secondary attacks of erysipe- 
las. You know that one attack causes an " increased suscepti- 
bility to the disease, as one attack is a common forerunner of 
another" (Goodno). Allen says: "Graphites seems to have 
removed the tendency to recurring erysipelas of the vesicular 
variety.'"' While it is difficult to speak positively in reference 



GRAPHITES. 481 

to preventive medicine, and my experience here has been too 
limited for it to be of much value, still I have not had a recurrence 
in a single instance since I have used it, and in two patients I 
saw them through three attacks before my attention was called 
to the value of Graphites as a preventive. 

My method of administering it for this purpose, is as follows: 
after an attack is over the patient is given a two-dram vial of 
Graphites 30th in pellets and directed to take two pellets every 
night and morning until the vial is exhausted. This is to be 
repeated every three months until a year has passed since the 
attack. 

There may be hunger in Graphites but there is an aversion to 
meat and aggravation from fat food (177). Sweet things dis- 
gust and nauseate her (6) and there is an aversion to salt or 
salt food. (There are several remedies mentioned in repertories 
as having aversion to or aggravation from salt food. They do 
not show up prominently when you look for them in a materia 
medica.) 

We have chronic gastric catarrh (178), indigestion and heart- 
burn (179), with sour (178) and rancid eructations, better from 
warm food (175) or drinks. There is a gastralgia coming on 
some hours after eating (174), better from warm food or warm 
milk, and worse from cold food or drink; associated with this 
there may be abdominal colic, worse below the umbilicus, that 
comes on immediately after eating (177). 

It is to be thought of in ascites (11), with hard and indurated 
liver and in chronic intestinal catarrh, with distention (13) and 
intolerance of anything tight about the abdomen (12) and 
constipation. 

In constipation calling for Graphites the stools are large, hard 
(35) and knotty, and either a quantity of white mucus is ex- 
pelled with the stool, or the hard pieces of fseces are covered 
with mucus (35). Do not forget this remedy for cracks and 
fissures of the anus (159), with bleeding and ulceration. 

In the male, Graphites is useful for sexual debility (168). 
"The sexual appetite," says Dunham, "is decidedly increased 
but the power is diminished" (167), with great desire and "in- 



482 MATERIA MEDICA. 

complete erection, and too early discharge of semen (167), such 
as sometimes follows the habit of masturbation, acquired in 
boyhood and abandoned early." 

In the female we think of the remedy for disorders associated 
with scanty and delayed menstruation (136) or suppression of 
the menses (134), such as great mental depression (135) and 
weeping, vertigo worse in the morning on waking or from stoop- 
ing (207), eruptions on the face and body and constipation. 
The menses are delayed, both as regards their original onset 
and their monthly return. While always late, they may be 
suppressed, with colic in the one case, or severe cutting and 
bearing-down pains in the other. Sometimes the flow is dark 
(136), at other times it is of a pale, serous blood. 

The 1. ovary (147) is, perhaps, the most frequently affected 
and we have induration and soreness of one or both ovaries, 
associated with suppression of the menses, due possibly to 
taking cold or getting the feet wet (134). 

The leucorrhcea is profuse (126), thin and milky-white in color 
(126), the discharge coming in gushes (126) during both day and 
night. We have leucorrhcea instead of the menses (126), or, 
says Hering, leucorrhcea " before and after the menses" (126). 

Graphites is a very valuable remedy for troubles following 
lacerations of the cervix of the uterus, especially follicular and 
cystic diseases, for inflammations of the vagina and neck of the 
uterus, and for the so-called cauliflower excrescences of the uterus 
(202), with severe lancinating pains and bleeding. 

In the breasts it has proved useful for indurations which form 
from scars of old abscesses and become cancerous (23), and 
given internally it is claimed that it has caused the absorption 
of scar tissue, especially after mammary abscesses. Internally 
and externally it is one of our most valuable remedies for the 
sore nipples of nursing women, the nipples becoming sore, cracked 
(23) and bleeding. 

For the external application of Graphites to any breaks or 
cracks in the skin, a very efficient preparation is what we can 
call Unguentum Grapho-cosmoline, or black salve. I prefer to 
prepare this myself and melt the vaseline or petrolatum, to 



GRAPHITES. 483 

which can be added a little white wax, and to every ounce stir 
in crude graphites, grains viii. 

It has been questioned by some of our school whether the crude 
graphites could do any good here, and if all the benefit was not 
derived from the petroleum jelly? Hahnemann tells us that the 
crude drug is of value in such cases and says that "the first 
thought of the medicinal use of plumbago was given to Dr. Wein- 
hold by the fact that ... he saw workmen use it externally for 
driving away herpes." Dr. Weinhold tried it, found it useful 
and " prescribed its external application either with saliva or 
with soft fat, or he rubbed in the ointment, or applied a plaster 
of plumbago" (Chr. Dis.). 

Graphites, says Dearborn, " shows a greater affinity for the 
left side, for the epidermis and the glandular structures derived 
from it, sometimes extending to the sub-cutaneous tissue. When 
these tissues have been destroyed and replaced by cicatricial 
tissue, it is credited with effecting a restoration of the epithelium 
and great improvement in, or the disappearance of, the scar." 

It is useful for herpes zoster (114), especially if l.-sided, with 
large blisters and excessive burning. 

In addition to the eczematous eruptions in various portions 
of the body already spoken of, it is of value in eczema of the 
dorsal region of the forearm and hands (65), with thickening 
of the skin, which cracks and becomes fissured. "Persistent 
dryness of portions of the skin unaffected with eczema is a 
special indication for this remedy" (Dearborn). The finger and 
toe-nails, under Graphites, become thick (141), rough (141), 
brittle and discolored. Dunham speaks of its value for in- 
growing toe-nails (141). 

Graphites is to be thought of in spasmodic asthma (21), 
where the attacks waken from sleep (24) and are relieved by 
eating (24), and for chronic hoarseness in persons subject to 
herpetic eruptions, especially if the eruptions have been sup- 
pressed, the voice breaking on attempting to sing (207). 

I use Graphites 30th. 
32 



484 MATERIA MEDICA. 

GRATIOLA. 

Hedge Hyssop — Herb of Grace. 

{Gratiola, named in allusion to its supposed medicinal virtues, 
from gratia, grace.) 

While Gratiola has had an extensive proving, by Dr. Nenning 
and others of Germany, it is used principally for diarrhoea. In 
large doses it is a violent emetic, cathartic and diuretic. 

It has as a prominent symptom, diarrhoea due to the drinking 
of excessive amounts of water (57). There may be cramps with 
the movement, but usually the stool is painless, profuse, yellow, 
watery and gushing (59). 

To distinguish it from several remedies that you will think of 
as having similar conditions, we can remember that the movement 
in Gratiola is associated with a feeling of coldness in the abdomen 

en). 

I have used Gratiola only in the 3d. 

GRINDELIA ROBUSTA AND SQUARROSA. 

American and Arctic American Grindelia. 

(Grindelia — named after Dr. Grindel, botanist.) 

From the amount of viscid secretion covering them, which is 
most abundant in the flower-heads, they are often known as 
gum-plants. 

Both plants are often mistaken one for the other, by herb gath- 
erers, and in their chest symptoms, in which they are especially 
useful, I am unable to differentiate between them. 

There is great dyspnoea, with inability to lie down (24) and 
with relief from raising the profuse tenacious secretions (69). 

Both are of great value in bronchial (19) and cardiac asthma 
(109), chronic bronchitis and broncho-pneumonia (151) with the 
above symptoms. 

Grind, squar. and Aeon, ferox are the only remedies spoken of 
prominently in the Handbook as having Cheyne-Stokes respira- 
tion (25); Curare and Phos. being mentioned as comparisons. 

Grind, rob., especially, is useful as a topical application for 



HAMAMELIS VIRGINICA. 485 

the relief of the itching from insect-bites (122) or from rhus 
poisoning. One part of the tincture or fluid extract in ten of 
water. 

I use Grindelia in the tincture. 

HAMAMELIS VIRGINICA. 

Witch-hazel. 

(Hamamelis — a/jua, Kama, like to, /x,eAi?, metis, an apple tree. 
Some of the plants bear a slight resemblance to small wild apple 
trees.) 

This shrub, indigenous to the United States and Canada, need 
not concern us now in reference to its pretended occult powers 
in locating water-courses or ore bodies; but it is of interest to 
recall that "the many varied uses of a watery infusion of Witch- 
hazel bark were fully known to the aborigines of this country, 
whose knowledge of our medical flora has been found by our 
provings to have been strangely correct" (Millspaugh). 

The introduction of Hamamelis to the notice of our school in 
1850, was through Dr. Hering, who learned or heard of its vir- 
tues while attending Mr. Pond, the manufacturer of Pond's 
Extract. 

The fresh bark of the young twigs or roots is used to prepare 
our tincture. 

The curative power of Hamamelis "seems to be confined almost 
wholly to the venous system of blood vessels" (Hale); "venous 
congestions; haemorrhages " (Hering); and it is to the veins 
what Aeon, is to the arteries, Am. is to the muscles and Hyper. 
is to the nerves. In general, Hamamelis has been found of value 
for venous dilations, inflammations and haemorrhages. 

It is useful for varicose veins externally on the abdomen, for 
varicose veins of the extremities (205) with soreness, and for 
varicose ulcers and varicose veins of the legs and feet "during 
pregnancy" (Hering). In phlebitis it is of value when we have 
soreness and great swelling. 

In the eye Hamamelis has proved valuable in intraocular 
haemorrhages (74) as it hastens the absorption of the blood. 



486 MATERIA MEDICA. 

It is of frequent use for traumatic iritis, with hemorrhage into 
the iris, and for ecchymoses in eyes from bruises, the black-eye 
of commerce. 

In the nose it is indicated in epistaxis, either vicarious (138) 
or idiopathic, of dark blood (142), with tightness in the bridge 
of the nose and pressure in forehead between the eyes. It is 
especially indicated in diseases of the nose (146), pharynx and 
mucous membranes generally, when there is a varicose condition 
of the small blood vessels, which bleed easily. The gums are 
spongy and bleed easily (84). 

Hamamelis is useful for hemorrhage of dark blood from the 
stomach, intestines, rectum and kidneys (85). In hemorrhoids 
(85) the flow is apt to be painless, dark and thick, and 
Lilienthal gives added prominence to the symptom, "when the 
loss of even a small amount of blood is followed by prostration 
out of proportion to the loss of blood." It is to be thought of 
for "hemorrhoids after confinement" (Hering). 

Hamamelis has pain running down the spermatic cords to the 
testicles and is of value in varicocele and in orchitis (188) due 
to injuries. 

In the female it is useful in ovaritis due to injuries and 
in hemorrhage from uterus of dark, venous blood. Hering 
gives prominence to the symptom, "vicarious bleeding (138) 
from nose or stomach." 

It is to be thought of for hemorrhage from the lungs of dark 
blood (28), for hemorrhagic measles (131), hemorrhagic small- 
pox and purpura hemorrhagica (158). It is of value in low 
types of fever, especially typhoid, with weak, rapid pulse and 
hemorrhage from the bowels (193). 

I have used Hamamelis only in the tincture. 

HELLEBORUS NIGER. 

Black Hellebore — Veratrum Nigrum — Christmas Rose. 

(Hellebore — eXeiV, helein, to injure; fiwpa, bora, food; Veratrum, 
hellebore.) 

There are several plants having the name Hellebore attached 



HELLEBORUS NIGER. 487 

to them, we making frequent use of the European hellebore, or 
Veratrum album, and the American, false or swamp hellebore, 
Veratrum viride. There are two others that have had very 
slight provings and that are seldom thought of, one, the Euro- 
pean immigrant now located on Long Island, the Helleborus 
viridis, or Green hellebore, which, on account of its former rarity, 
has been but little used in medicine, although it is, with one 
exception, the most poisonous species of the genus Helleborus 
(from Millspaugh). 

The other, Helleborus orientalis, or Levant hellebore, occupies the 
highest position as a poison and it is this plant, and not our Helle- 
borus niger, which furnished the famous medicine used by the 
most celebrated philosophers of ancient Greece and Rome, in the 
belief that it gave clearness and activity to the mental faculties 
(from Appleton's Cyclop.). 

The black Hellebore, which we are considering, is a native of 
the mountainous parts of southern and central Europe, and is 
cultivated in gardens for the sake of its beautiful rose-like flower, 
which blooms in December and gives to the plant the name of the 
Christmas rose. In the United States its time of blooming is in 
the spring. 

Hellebore was first proved by Hahnemann. It produces a 
"bluntness of sensibility" (Allen) and is useful in a general con- 
dition of lack of reaction, a semi-paralytic condition of the system, 
or as Hahnemann says, in substance, the patient has eyes yet he 
sees not, ears yet he hears not, mouth yet he finds not the proper 
taste in anything. As Hering says: "A perfect picture of acute 
idiocy." 

Hellebore retards respiration and paralyzes the heart. It 
first produces scanty urine and serous effusions everywhere. 

This tendency to serous effusions is a very marked indication for 
the remedy, and it is found in almost every part of the body, and 
in dropsical effusions everywhere Hellebore is to be thought of, 
especially if the patient be stupid. 

The general mental condition is one of complete stupor, in which 
it is very difficult to arouse the patient (182). There seems to 
be great physical prostration, or at least loss of control of the mind 



488 MATERIA MEDICA. 

over the body, due perhaps to cerebral effusion which is so often 
the accompaniment of the Hellebore condition. 

It is a remedy to be thought of in " certain apathetic melan- 
cholias, with sluggish circulation and passive cerebral congestion" 
(Talcott), a kind of stupidity or unintelligible muttering (55). 

It is of use in chronic hydrocephalus (119), with torpidity, 
unconsciousness, insensibility of eyes and suppression of urine 
(200) and especially with wrinkling of forehead and a constant 
motion of the jaws as if chewing; or with sudden screams and 
boring of the head into the pillow (due to sudden shooting pains 
in the head), wrinkling of forehead and automatic motions of one 
arm or foot, such as jerking on one foot, or throwing the arm to 
one side or over the head. 

It is also to be thought of in the sequelae of hydrocephalus, 
the child is idiotic, seems to want nothing, but drinks greedily 
when liquid is offered it. 

It is useful in the second stage of acute meningitis (133), when 
the effusion has already taken place (133), with boring of the head 
into the pillow, or rolling it from side to side night and day. 

Hellebore is a valuable remedy for the effects of repressed 
exanthemata simulating hydrocephalus. 

It has been used for the effects of concussion of the brain and 
Hering cites a case that had failed to yield to Am. and that re- 
covered under Hellebore. 

In the eyes, we have a condition sometimes noticed in menin- 
geal troubles, where the child lies with the lids half open and the 
eyeballs rolled upward, showing only the whites. 

In the abdomen, we find the remedy of value in ascites (11) 
and for general anasarca (63), especially when due to croupous 
nephritis, and for croupous nephritis (124) after any of the 
eruptive diseases. 

We have a profuse watery diarrhoea which alternates with con- 
stipation (34) in abdominal dropsy, and in children a diarrhoea 
of tenacious, colorless, jelly-like mucus, looking like frog spawn, 
and generally associated with tenesmus (61). 

Hellebore is useful in hydrothorax (29), with difficult respira- 
tion, necessity to sit up (24) and with great constriction of the 
chest (27) and gasping for breath. 



HELONIAS. 489 

In dropsical conditions the heart's action is weak and the pulse 
small and tremulous (109). 

In typhoid calling for Hellebore there is general coldness of the 
surface of the body and may be cold sweat, offensive breath and 
great sensory depression or stupor. 

I use Hellebore 3rd. 

HELONIAS. 

Devil's Bit — Blazing Star. 

(Helonias — eAos, helos, a marsh, because some species frequent 
bogs.) 

A peculiarity about this plant, which does not interest us as 
physicians, is that botanists seem disinclined to let it retain any 
one name for very long and have now changed the one that we use 
and call the plant Chamcelirium luteum (xa/«u, chamai, on the 
ground; Xaptov, leirion, lily). 

What does interest us is that the ordinary names are common 
to many other plants, which may or may not have similar medical 
properties, and the origin of the name, Devil's Bit, that I remember 
it by, is the subject of more than one explanation. The version 
that I accept, principally because it seems to me the most plausible, 
is based upon a peculiarity of the root which, when cut across, 
shows the little rootlets freely movable in their channels or fora- 
mina (like the thread in the eye of a needle), as though they were 
disconnected with the rest of the root. 

Legend accounts for it thus: The evil spirit angered that this 
root should have the power to cure all disorders — as was then 
supposed — bit off a portion of it so as to curtail its usefulness, 
hence the name Devil's Bit (from Millspaugh). 

Helonias is indigenous to North America. 

It was, perhaps, first proved by Dr. Tully, in 1832, who took 
from 10-30 minims of the tincture of the root at a dose, but it 
never had the thorough proving to which it is entitled, especially 
by women. 

Dr. S. A. Jones, who published the result of his proving in 1871, 
thinks that the keynote of the subjective symptoms of Helonias 



490 MATERIA MEDICA. 

is, "amelioration while doing something (8). The headache 
disappears when the attention is engaged. The pains vanish 
when one is busied. The sense of profound debility is lost when 
exercising.'' 

Helonias is essentially a woman's remedy and it is indicated 
where there is muscular atony or weakness. 

It is adapted to two great classes of women; for those who are 
all tired out from doing nothing and need some new and untried 
form of excitement to keep them going; and for those who are all 
worn out from overwork, so used up that they can neither rest 
(160) nor sleep. 

It is of value, in either sex, for the debility following exhausting 
diseases (156), especially diphtheria. It produces depression 
both of the body and the mind (155); there is profound melan- 
cholia, with " desire to be alone" (Hale) (132); they are irritable 
and fault-finding and intolerant of the least contradiction. 

Many of the symptoms calling for the remedy are reflex and 
due to some abnormal uterine position or condition and Dr. John 
H. Demarest aptly calls Helonias "a nerve detective, on the hunt 
for nerves that are out gossiping instead of attending to their 
own business." 

The headaches calling for the remedy are usually associated 
with uterine derangements (103) and there is a burning on the 
top of the head, a feeling of fullness in the head, "with pressure 
outward at the vertex" (Hale) (106), or as I have most frequently 
seen it, a sensation of pressure downward on the vertex (103). 

In the mouth it has been used with success for the salivation 
of pregnancy (155) and for sore mouth of nursing women. 

Helonias acts upon the kidneys, increasing the amount of urine 
and the excretion of urea (193). It has proved of value in diabetes 
insipidus (56), or polyuria, with great debility, and it is probably 
of value in diabetes mellitus (56), with thirst, emaciation, rest- 
lessness and melancholia. 

One of the provers of the drug who had amorphous phosphates 
in the urine (200), with an alkaline reaction, found during the 
proving that the phosphates disappeared and the urine became 
acid, and Helonias "is one of the few agents that can render an 
alkaline urine acid " (Hale). 



HEPAR SULPHURIS CALCAREUM. 491 

We sometimes have, in cases requiring this remedy, aching and 
tenderness over the region of the kidneys, with an excessive flow 
of urine. It is useful in acute and chronic croupous nephritis 
(124), with frequent micturition, increased restlessness and weak- 
ness, and for croupous nephritis due to pregnancy. 

There are many remedies whose sphere of usefulness is limited 
owing to the absence of a thorough proving by women. Helonias 
stands out prominently among this number, for it has been found 
by clinical experience that it is of especial value in atonic con- 
ditions of the female reproductive organs, "a loss of normal tone" 
(Hale). It is useful for prolapsus of the uterus (203), with general 
malnutrition, and in prolapsus following parturition, with general 
debility and mental depression (155), and a feeling of soreness or 
sensitiveness of the uterus, the patient "is conscious that she has a 
womb." 

It is thought of for menorrhagia, due to atony, the menses 
being "too profuse, too frequent (135) and very exhausting" 
(Minton) (138), with increased flow from any motion (134). 
Before and during menstruation we may have "soreness and 
tenderness of the breasts and nipples" (Hering) (138). 

The leucorrhoea is profuse (126), often associated with pro- 
lapsus of the uterus, and it is apt to be offensive (126). 

It is to be thought of in pruritus of the vulva and vagina, with 
heat, soreness and swelling of the parts, and is useful in preventing 
miscarriage (13), in those cases where from uterine atony "it 
cannot hold on to the fruit of conception, but allows it to escape at 
the periods coinciding with the previous menstrual flow" (Hale). 

With the local uterine symptoms of displacement, etc., we have 
pain in the lumbar region, pressure on the top of the head and 
sometimes a sensation of weight on the chest. 

I use Helonias in the tincture. 

HEPAR SULPHURIS CALCAREUM. 

Impure Calcium Sulphide. 
(Hepar, liver.) 

Hepar sulph. is prepared by fusing the calcined middle layers of 
oyster shells with flowers of sulphur. 



492 MATERIA MEDICA. 

It was first proved by Hahnemann, who says of it, "I have found 
a very small portion of a grain of the million-fold attenuation " 
(3d) " quite sufficient, often too large, for a dose" (Mat. Med. Pura). 

Hepar sulph. is a tissue drug with a wide range of action, and 
Allen speaks of it as follows: "It simulates Mercury in its action 
on the liver and kidneys, Sulphur in its action on the skin and 
mucous membrane of the intestinal tract, Calcarea in affecting 
the respiratory tract, and all the foregoing in its general action 
on connective tissue." 

It is one of the remedies, as pointed out to us by Hahnemann, 
to be thought of for patients who come to you after having been 
dosed with mercury (139). Hughes in commenting on this says 
that Hahnemann at first "used it to neutralize mercurial influence 
chemically, as converting the metal into an insoluble sulphide; 
and gave largish doses accordingly, — in one bad case three grains 
every hour. Later, however, he seems to have recognized a dy- 
namic antidotal virtue in it; and his indications in this direction 
have been so frequently acted upon with success that there seems 
little doubt of their being well founded." (Hahnemann's indi- 
cations are for the use of Hepar sulph. to remove "all affections 
arising from the long continued irritation of mercury, the pains 
in the limbs, the low fever and night sweats, and the exhausting 
salivation" Lesser Writings). 

After speaking of its use in this condition in the 6th, Hughes 
continues: "Now for a drug to be a dynamic antidote, in minute 
doses, to a chronic medicinal disease, it must act upon the prin- 
ciple of similarity ; and the symptoms induced by Hepar sufficient- 
ly resemble those of mercury to support the inference drawn from 
therapeutics." 

Oversensitiveness of the nervous system (166) to external 
impressions is a prominent symptom of Hepar sulph. and the 
affected part is very sensitive to touch (166), out of proportion 
to the actual pain. 

The patient, in general, is extremely sensitive to cold air (5) 
or to the slightest draft (5), with relief not only from warmth 
(10) but from wrapping up warmly, and as Allen puts it he "wears 
an overcoat in hot weather, " with the collar all ready to be turned 
up on the slightest provocation. 



HEPAR SULPHURIS CALCAREUM. 493 

It is not that he does not feel that the day is warm, for he does 
and perspires freely (185), but partly because of his sensitiveness 
to cool air and partly because of easy perspiration he is afraid to 
have the least breath of air touch him. 

There is also general aggravation from cold dry winds. Two 
other characteristics of this remedy are, profuse secretions, and 
tendency for all inflammations to terminate in suppuration. 

Let me reverse the order in which a remedy is usually considered 
and speak first of the skin and suppurative tendencies as these 
conditions will be found in many of the subdivisions, and what we 
say here will apply to what is to follow. 

The pains of Hepar sulph. are sharp, sticking, splinter-like, with 
extreme sensitiveness to touch and soreness of the inflamed parts 
as if it were about to suppurate. 

The sweat, which is easily excited, is sour and there are more or 
less offensive exhalations from the body; the skin seems to be 
unhealthy and even slight injuries suppurate (183), with tendency 
to smell badly. Dearborn says: that the characteristic lesion is 
the papule prone to suppurate, or the primary foci of inflamma- 
tion may begin in a less circumscribed form than the papule, 
but it extends by progressive involvement of contiguous skin and 
the outbreak of other discreet lesions in the surrounding tissues. 

Pimples, boils, abscesses, etc., that suppurate or that you fear 
will go on to the formation of pus, lead you to think of this remedy, 
especially when there is the sensitiveness to touch and to cold air 
or to cold applications. I believe that Hepar sulph. has a double 
or two-fold action in these conditions and that it should be used in 
different potencies according to the effect that you are trying to 
produce. 

If suppuration is inevitable and you wish to hasten the process 
give it low, below the 3d (I prefer the lx). It is to be used low, 
not only in those cases where suppuration is progressing and you 
wish to hurry it along, but also where too much progress has been 
made to enable you to abort it but which hangs fire and refuses to 
get "ripe" (183). 

If you see the case at the onset and fear that it will go on to sup- 
puration if left to itself, by giving Hepar sulph. 6th or higher (I 



494 MATERIA MEDICA. 

prefer 30th), you will often be able to abort the whole trouble; 
again, after the abscess is opened and the pus discharged, you will 
often prevent new pus formation and promote dealing by giving 
the 30th. 

In acne (14) that goes on to suppuration this remedy is fre- 
quently indicated. It may be well to use it low at the start in 
order to bring all the pustules to a head and then to follow with a 
higher potency so as to heal the old and to prevent new ones from 
forming. 

It is a remedy of value for moist eruptions, which smell badly, 
suppurate and bleed; for run-rounds (163) and for felons (81), 
with the sharp, suppuration pains and the relief from heat or 
hot applications, and for hip-joint disease (117) in the suppurative 
stage. 

Some of the bad effects of mercury that are benefited by the 
use of Hepar sulph. are melancholia, falling of the hair or head- 
ache with a sensation as if a plug or nail were being driven into 
the head (106), or a feeling as if the eyes were being pulled back- 
ward into the head (77). In herpes (114) of the supraorbital 
nerve, requiring this remedy, this sensation as if the eyes were 
being drawn back into the head may be noticed. 

The headaches in general are better from binding the head up 
tightly (92). ^ 

The scalp is sensitive to cold so that they take cold (5) 
when the head is uncovered, and sensitive to touch (91) so 
that they cannot comb their hair without causing pain. It is 
of value for eczema of the head, milk crust, etc., with bleeding 
and offensive discharge and great sensitiveness to touch. 

In the eye, Hepar sulph. is indicated in a great variety of 
scrofulous inflammations (76), especially ulcerations of the 
cornea (77) involving the inner layer and accompanied by col- 
lection of pus in the anterior chamber. In general the patient 
is ansemic, with easy and sour perspiration and has taken, per- 
haps, a good deal of mercury; the inflammation is of a sluggish 
character, pains worse at night and with great sensitiveness to 
the open air. It is also of value for chronic catarrh of the con- 
junctiva, with profuse muco-purulent discharge (76), and for 



HEPAR SULPHURIS CALCAREUM. 495 

inflammation of the lachrymal sac, with very free secretion of 
pus in the inner angle of the eye. 

In inflammation of the outer and middle ear a similar condi- 
tion is found, with pain, bloody and offensive discharge (63) 
and sensitiveness to touch and to cold air. You will think of it 
in furuncles of the auditory canal (64), although Calc. pic. may 
be your first choice. 

In the nose it may be of use in coryza, with swelling and red- 
ness of the nose and pain as from a boil, and it is frequently indi- 
cated in ozsena (148), with pain in the bones, ulceration and 
profuse, offensive discharge, the nose very sensitive internally 
to air and to touch (142). 

The teeth are loose (187) and sore and are sensitive to cold 
drinks (187) and when drawing in cold air (187), and it is of 
frequent use when abscesses are inclined to form at roots of teeth 
that have been filled. The gums are unhealthy, become ulcer- 
ated and bleed easily (84), with an offensive odor from them. 

In the throat we have sharp, splinter-like pains (190), which 
extend to the ear on swallowing (197), and with sensitiveness of 
the throat to cold air (189). It is especially in peri-tonsillar 
suppuration or quinsy that you will use Hepar sulph. 

The first intimation of the trouble is, as a usual thing, a sharp 
sticking pain referred to the tonsils as if a splinter were being 
driven into the tissues on swallowing. Of course, if pus has 
formed when you first see the case, the best thing to do is to 
hasten its collection by giving Hepar sulph. low; but I wish to 
call your attention to the power that Hepar sulph. lx, seemingly 
has to abort quinsy (158) and other suppurative conditions, if 
taken at the very onset of the trouble, at the first stab, so to 
speak. Anyone who has ever had quinsy will know of its be- 
ginning, and if you want to try the experiment, let the patient 
have the remedy to carry with him so that he may be able to take 
it early and he can report to you as to the truth or falsity of its 
power of absorption. If you do not care to experiment with a 
case of quinsy (the patient is never willing), give Ba. carb. 30th 
as a prophylactic. 

Hepar sulph. is useful in dyspepsia resulting from the use of 



496 MATERIA MEDICA. 

mercury or quinine, with a longing for highly-seasoned food (9),. 
for acids (9) or for sour, pungent articles and disgust for fat 
or fat foods (5). 

It is one of the remedies having eructations tasting (182), and. 
flatus smelling like bad eggs (82), but it does not occupy as 
prominent a place in the pathogenesis as the taste of the lx 
tablets would lead one to suppose. 

The bowels are inactive and the large intestine wanting in 
peristaltic aiction so that even a soft stool is passed slowly and 
with difficu ty (34) and only a part can be forced out even by 
the aid of the abdominal muscles. 

In diarrhoea the stools are painless, white or clay-colored. 
(58), green (59) or undigested (60), of sour (59) or decayed 
odor (59). The diarrhoea is especially a chronic condition (58) 
and may be worse during the day and after eating (57) and 
perhaps associated with sweat on the perineum. 

Hepar sulph. is frequently called for in children with maras- 
mus (129), with sour stool and general sour sweat. 

It will, of course, be indicated in abscess of either the liver or 
kidneys, and in the latter stage of suppurative or secondary 
nephritis when you are unable to get rid of the pus that so per- 
sistently shows in the urine, Hepar sulph. 30th will often clear 
up the case. In croupous inflammations (124), especially re- 
sulting from the abuse of mercury, it is often of value. 

In the bladder we have paralysis (22) or atony, with lack 
of expulsive power (21). He must wait for the urine to start 
and then it flows very slowly and " drops down vertically." The 
bladder does not seem to empty itself and it seems as if he could 
never finish urinating (200). 

Hepar sulph. is the only remedy in the Handbook where there 
is clinical mention of an oily film on the surface of the urine 
(the others that are spoken of at all prominently are only in 
italics) (199). 

On the genital organs it is of value for abscesses of all kinds, 
with sharp pains and offensive odor to the discharge; it is one of 
the best remedies to clear up an old gonorrhoea (83) and for 
pyo-salpingitis. 



HEPAR SULPHURIS CALCAREUM. 497 

The leucorrhoea is offensive (126), of putrid odor. 

In membranous (52) as well as in spasmodic croup Hepar 
sulph. is of great value. It is not to be given early in the disease 
but later when there is little or no fever, the child is weak and 
perspires easily and the cough is loose. Allen says it " should 
be given very cautiously even in a late stage of membranous 
croup; over-dosing with it is apt to cause recurrence of the more 
acute symptoms, to lessen the secretion of mucus, rendering the 
cough dry and tight, and increase the difficulty in breathing." 

I will ask you to look up the differentiations between various 
remedies as made by Allen under this remedy, as I wish to speak 
of a method used by Boenninghausen that has been the cause of 
much misunderstanding. Many people from a distance would 
come to him to ask that he prescribe for their people at home. 
In cases of croup it was his custom to give three powders to be 
dissolved in water. 

No. 1. Aeon. 200th for the beginning of the trouble, with high 
fever, dry skin, tight cough and the other A con. symptoms. 

No. 2. Spong. 200th to be taken after the fever had subsided 
but with the cough still tight and croupy. 

When the cough had loosened and there was an accumulation 
of mucus, then give No. 3, Hepar sulph. 200th. 

If through any mischance, either that the cough became tighter 
or that Hepar sulph. had been given too soon and the cough 
remained more or less tight, they were to go back to No. 2, or 
Spong., until the cough was thoroughly loose and then No. 3, or 
Hepar sulph., would complete the cure. 

From this innocent procedure has grown the belief, amongst 
many, that it is good practice, irrespective of the symptoms, to 
return to Spong. after giving Hepar sulph., or that Boenning- 
hausen alternated and, therefore, they are justified. 

We all know good men who alternate, but I doubt if there is 
anyone who takes pride in so doing, and but few, who down in 
their own heart do not acknowledge that the reason they do so 
is because they do not know enough of the Homoeopathic Materia 
Medica. 

Hepar sulph. is of value in bronchitis and broncho-pneumonia 



498 MATERIA MEDICA. 

(151), with a good deal of mucus in the chest (45). The cough 
is loose and rattling, worse towards morning and from cold air 
(40); so susceptible is the patient to cold that the slightest 
draft or even putting the hands out from under the bed-clothes 
is enough to set them coughing (41). 

While I find no mention by Hahnemann or Allen of this symp- 
tom, Lippe gives, cough caused by " eating or drinking (41) 
anything cold" (41). 

The mucus in all these cases is difficult to raise, although 
there is so much in the chest, and the effort to bring it up causes 
nausea and easy perspiration (51) ; in these respects the remedy 
is similar to what we find in Ant. tart., but in Hepar sulph. there 
is the decided aggravation from cold air. 

Hepar sulph. is of value in pleurisy with exudation (150), in 
the late stage of pneumonia and in phthisis, with profuse pur- 
ulent expectoration, and in abscess of the lungs, with the char- 
acteristic indications for the remedy. 

It has been used for chronic malarial poisoning that "has 
been maltreated with calomel and quinine" (Allen), the leading 
indications being the easy and offensive sweat and the extreme 
sensitiveness to air. We may have urticaria (121) "preceding" 
(Hering) or associated "with the chill" (H. C. Allen) and dis- 
appearing as the heat begins. 

I use Hepar sulph. lx and 30th. 

HYDRASTIS. 

Golden-seal. 

(The derivation of the word Hydrastis is not known definitely; 
perhaps from vSwp, hudor, water -f $pau>, drao, to act, on 
account of the powerful drastic or active properties of the juice.) 

Hydrastis is indigenous to the United States and Canada, and 
was used by our Indians not only as a medicine, but because the 
juice from the root yielded a beautiful yellow color, they used it 
as a dye for their clothing and implements of war; hence the 
common names, Golden-seal, Orange-root, Yellow-root, Indian dye. 

Dr. E. M. Hale was probably the first to direct the attention of 



HYDRASTIS. 499 

homoeopaths to the value of Hydrastis. In speaking of the use 
of a remedy from the time "when only the aborigines inhabited 
the continent/' until to-day, he says: "The biography of a 
medicine is as interesting as that of a man. We trace its de- 
velopment through infancy, childhood and youth, and note the 
additions which are yearly made to its growth as a remedial agent. 
We also note how one after another of its supposed attributes 
fall away and disappear, or how certain traits of character noticed 
in its infancy become forgotten, and finally reappear in the 
future development of its history. A medicine cannot be said 
to have reached maturity until it has been subjected to a thor- 
ough physiological proving. In other words, it is in the hands 
of the homoeopathic school alone that a medicine is capable of 
reaching complete development." 

In his summing up he says: "The action of Hydrastis on the 
glandular system must be direct and specific. It acts on the 
glands of the mucous membranes, namely, the intestinal and 
gastric. It acts on the larger glands, notably the liver. Its 
primary effect on the glandular system is to excite to unusual 
secretion when given to a healthy person. Its action on all 
mucous surfaces is of a similar character. The natural secretion 
is at first increased; then it becomes abnormal in quantity and 
quality. At first clear, white, transparent and tenacious, it 
becomes yellow, or thick, green and even bloody, and nearly 
always tenacious." 

Hydrastis, says Allen, is "a i catarrhal' drug, causing inflam- 
mation of all mucous membranes, with profuse discharges. It 
depresses the vitality, causing atonic as well as catarrhal dys- 
pepsia, constipation and general weakness. Its action on the 
liver is marked;" with jaundice and symptoms of inflammation. 

The Hydrastis patient, in general, suffers from debility and 
speaks of herself "as all run down." She is constipated, has 
atonic dyspepsia, palpitation and dyspnoea, and, as a usual thing, 
is subject to catarrhal discharges and ulcerations of mucous 
membranes. It is adapted to scrofulous affections, especially 
marasmus in children (129), with great emaciation. It is to be 
thought of in retarded convalescence (156) from typhoid, with 
33 



500 MATERIA MEDICA. 

loss of appetite, constipation and profuse sweats of unhealthy 
odor. 

Hydrastis is frequently called for in acute and chronic ophthal- 
mias, especially in scrofulous conditions (76), with swollen lids, 
profuse discharge, and smarting and burning (73). 

It is of value in catarrhal inflammation of the middle ear, after 
measles or scarlet fever (63), and in otorrhcea, with thick, bland 
(63) mucous discharge. 

In catarrhal conditions of the nose and throat it is, I believe, 
more frequently indicated than it is prescribed for internal use. 

Hale says that it "is one of the most important remedies we 
possess for the treatment of mucous fluxes, ordinarily known as 
catarrh. This disorder is not confined to any one portion of the 
body" but "may exist wherever mucous membranes exist. The 
only form of catarrh to which Hydrastis is not suitable is to the 
acute inflammatory. So long as the fever lasts it should not be 
used." 

It is of value in hypertrophic nasal catarrh, with profuse, yellow, 
tenacious mucus, the discharge mostly passing into the posterior 
nares (143). which become obstructed, the whole condition being- 
accompanied by frontal headache (96). 

In atrophic catarrh and in ozaena (148) we find frequent calls 
for the remedy, especially with profuse and bloody discharge 
and tendency towards ulceration. 

While ozsena is curable, the treatment must necessarily be 
constant and prolonged. You will succeed, however, in only a 
small proportion of cases, but you may be able to place the blame 
on the patient, who will tire long before a cure is possible. 

Hydrastis is also of value in ulceration of the septum (145) 
with tendency towards perforation, with thick, tenacious dis- 
charge, the ulcers bleeding on touch. 

It is to be thought of in aphthous sore mouth (140), or stoma- 
titis of nursing women and sickly children, and in canker of the 
mouth (140), especially after the abuse of mercury or chlorate of 
potash. 

In the pharynx it is of use in catarrhal pharyngitis, with hyper- 
trophy of the mucous membrane, rather free discharge of tena- 



HYDRASTIS. 501 

cious mucus and with burning and rawness extending into the 
nose and chest; also in chronic or follicular pharyngitis (149), 
the mucous membrane studded with protruding follicles, which 
are deep red, as if injected with blood; these follicles are very 
irritable, the pharynx feels raw and with decided aggravation on 
breathing cold air. 

In laryngeal catarrh the mucous membrane is pale and the 
vocal cords relaxed (207), with harsh, rough voice. In bronchial 
catarrh, as in all other catarrhal conditions calling for the remedy, 
there is a profuse secretion of yellow tenacious mucus (69). 

The tongue of Hydrastis is large and flabby, showing the im- 
print of the teeth (192), and with a peppery feeling or sensation 
as if it had been burnt (140), especially on the forward half of the 
tongue. 

The Hydrastis patient is weak, emaciated and of a cachectic 
habit; he has loss of appetite, a sensation of sinking or goneness 
in the region of the stomach (179), which is not relieved by eating, 
soreness and burning (178) in the stomach and perhaps, a sen- 
sation of pulsation there (181). There is frequent vomiting of 
food or mucus, or acid risings (178). 

It is useful in atonic dyspepsia (178), especially in old people, 
in gastritis and gastric catarrh (178), in ulcer of the stomach 
(181) and for what has been diagnosed as cancer of the stomach 
(178). 

It is of value for torpidity of the liver, with light-colored 
stools and jaundice (122); for gall-stone colic with jaundice 
(82); and for chronic catarrhal inflammation of the bowels, 
with slimy tenacious discharges, or with soft or hard balls of 
faeces covered with mucus (35). 

In constipation it is of value, especially as found in children 
(34) and old people, and usually due to a sluggish condition of 
the bowels, or to habit; also for constipation resulting from the 
use of purgatives (34). We must not forget the remedy in 
constipation with haemorrhoids (88), with weak feeling in the 
stomach, sour eructations (178) and headache, also for consti- 
pation and piles during and after pregnancy (153). 

It is of value for prolapsus of the rectum (160), especially in 



502 MATERIA MEDICA. 

children who are constipated, in ulceration of the rectum and 
in fissures of the anus (159). 

Hydrastis is, of course, of value in gonorrhoea, with thick, 
yellow discharge, as well as in a chronic condition (83), but when 
Hering says that this condition is "accompanied by great moral 
and physical depression," it seems as though it should be looked 
upon as a natural state rather than as a guiding symptom. In 
cystitis we would think of its use with thick, ropy mucus (199) 
in the urine. 

In the distinctive female sexual sphere we have to rely mostly 
upon clinical evidence, as but few women have proved the drug. 
It has been found of value for leucorrhcea, either uterine or 
vaginal, with profuse (126), yellow or tenacious discharge (126), 
and associated with great prostration, or with derangements of 
the liver, constipation and haemorrhoids. 

While it is probable that Hydrastis is not given internally as 
frequently as the symptoms call for it, it is used locally, in catarrhal 
conditions of the uterus and vagina, without much attention 
being given to the symptoms. The empirical use of this or any 
other remedy is very apt to be disappointing. 

Among the things where it has proved its value are: pruritus 
of the vulva (156), usually associated with profuse leucorrhcea; 
inflammation and ulceration of the cervix of the uterus (204), 
with fungoid excrescences (202) and especially with haemor- 
rhages, due to the ulcerations, and with profuse tenacious leucor- 
rhcea; uterine fibroids (202); chronic enlargement of the uterus 
(subinvolution) (204). 

Where we should know more about the remedy is in cancer of 
the uterus (202) and breast (23), and you are referred for help 
in this direction to Hughes' lecture and to the many cases cited 
by Hering; here we will simply quote one sentence from the 
latter. "In cancer, Hydrastis removes the pain, modifies the 
discharge, depriving it of its offensiveness, and improves the 
health in a marked degree." 

"On the skin," says Dearborn, the action of Hydrastis "is less 
direct or distinct" than on mucous membranes, "and is adapted 
rather to secondary, unusual or inactive types of disease, due to 
lowered vitality or constitutional impairment." 



HYDROCOTYLE. 503 

It has cured lupus (128), epithelioma (68) and malignant 
ulcers of the face and various organs. It is useful, both locally 
and internally, for varicose (205) and other old ulcers, which 
bleed easily and smell badly, and for bed-sores (21). 

It is indicated in, and will cure, eczema of the scalp when it 
extends to the margin of the hair on the forehead (91). 

I use Hydrastis 1st. 

HYDROCOTYLE. 

Hydrocotyle Asiatica — Indian Pennywort. 

(Hydrocotyle — vSwp, hudor, water + kotvXc, kotule, a cavity? 
a cap, the plants growing in moist places and the leaves are hol- 
lowed out like a cup.) 

Our symptoms are mostly from old-school sources, the effect 
of the drug taken as an experiment or as given to those with 
some skin lesion. 

As general symptoms, we have mental and physical weariness 
(155) and a bruised sensation in all the muscles (166). 

Hydrocotyle has cured lupus (128) and ameliorated leprosy, 
seemingly arresting the destructive processes. 

Excessive thickening and exfoliation of the epidermis is a 
marked indication for its use and it has cured psoriasis (158) 
and greatly relieved elephantiasis (66). 

A case of elephantiasis of the 1. lower extremity, where the 
calf (20 in.) and thigh (26 in.) of the affected side were nine inches 
larger round than of the unaffected side, improved greatly while 
taking this remedy. 

I use Hydrocotyle 3d. 

HYOSCYAMUS. 

Hyoscyamus Niger — Common Henbane — Hogbean. 

(Hyoscyamus — v<r, v6s, hus, hyos, a hog; kyamos, a bean.) 
Hyoscyamus, or Hogbean, " because it does or does not poison 

swine — an open question" (Millspaugh) ; henbane, because it is 

supposed to be fatal to fowls. 



504 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Hyoscyamus, indigenous to Europe and Western Asia, was in- 
troduced into this country in the seventeenth century. 

It was used as a medicine by the ancients, the earliest account 
that we have of it going back to 681. Its violent character was 
known and Dioscorides rejected it as a medicine as being too 
highly poisonous for use. In 1872 it was again brought to the 
notice of physicians and is now in general use by the old school 
as a sedative and as an anti-spasmodic, and as a hypnotic in cases 
where opium would be used, did it not disagree. 

Hyoscyamus was first proved by Hahnemann. 

"It acts very similarly to Belladonna," says Allen, "but with 
less indication of congestion or fever," and Dunham goes a step 
further in his description when he says, "the convulsions, the 
mania, the delirium, the cough, the sleeplessness, all occur almost 
absolutely without any manifestations of fever. In this respect 
it presents a marked contrast to Belladonna." 

Mentally we find stupor alternating with periods of great 
mental activity; with the stupor we have twitching of the 
muscles, while with the mental activity, talking is the pronounced 
feature. 

Talcott tells us that it is a remedy "especially adapted to 
women who become insane during pregnancy or after parturi- 
tion; to those who suffer from jealousy or unhappy love; to 
victims of delirium tremens; and to young people and children 
who are inclined to convulsive attacks, to epilepsy and to chorea. 
In general paresis (149) it is frequently called for to control the 
delusions." 

In mania and in delirium the features that will direct our atten- 
tion to the remedy are loquacity (55) and obscene talk and 
actions (55). 

In the delirium occurring during the course of acute diseases 
we have restlessness (160); he is constantly busy with his hands, 
picking, working and clutching (183); he keeps up a constant 
muttering (55) or talking, with frequent silly laughter; he is 
"almost always jolly" (Talcott). Or we may have a violent 
delirium, with tendency to bite, scratch or get out of bed (53), 
he is suspicious of his friends, afraid of being poisoned (53) or 



HYOSCYAMUS. 505 

of being pursued (53) and has illusions of vision in which every- 
thing is unusually large. 

While this condition of wild delirium is not common, we find, 
usually, in the Hyoscyamus patient a deliberate attempt to throw 
off the bed-clothes in order to expose the genital organs, or he or 
she talks in the most horribly lewd manner, and this in those who 
in their right mind are delicate and refined and you wonder where 
they ever heard the words, as they never could have seen them 
in print. 

Talcott lays special stress on the Hyoscyamus patient being 
"mostly good natured and jolly" in his delirium and sums it up 
in this way: "Hyoscyamus paints the mental town of its victim 
a brilliant and luminous red, and stimulates him to sing, in 
merriest and most vociferous tones, the songs of Venus and 
Bacchus combined." 

It is a remedy useful in delirium tremens (54), with suspi- 
cions concerning his friends, illusions as to common, every-day 
objects in his room, and talkativeness, and in puerperal mania (129) 
with desire to lie uncovered. 

It may be of use in chorea (31) when we have clutching move- 
ments of the hands and numerous incoherent muscular move- 
ments, " jerking and twitching of the muscles of the face and 
eyes" (Hughes); in paralysis agitans; in tetanus (189); and in 
hydrophobia (119). 

Let me quote from Hahnemann: ""When we take together 
symptoms" (referring to those having dryness of the throat and 
difficulty in swallowing, the mental and convulsive symptoms), 
" we have a tolerably accurate picture of the ordinary hydrophobia 
caused by the bite of a mad dog. The true histories of this fright- 
ful disease show us several varieties of this malady in human 
beings, for each of which there will be a perfectly suitable remedy, 
among which henbane is one of the best. 

" For the other cases either Stram. or Bell, is the suitable homoeo- 
pathic remedy, according to the character of the totality of the 
symptoms. 

"Belladonna has already effected some perfect cures, and would 
have done this more frequently, had not either other interposing 



506 MATERIA MEDICA. 

remedies been administered at the same time, or, and especially, 
had it not been given in such enormous doses, that the patients 
were sometimes killed by the remedy. 

11 Large doses of drugs, homoeopathically suitable, are much more 
certainly injurious than such as are given without any similar (homeo- 
pathic) relation to the disease, or such as have an opposite (anti- 
pathic) relation to the case, that is to say, are quite unsuitable (allo- 
pathic). In the homoeopathic employment of medicines, where tie 
totality of the morbid symptoms has a great similarity to the action 
of a drug, it is really criminal not to give quite small doses, indeed 
as small as possible. In such cases doses of the size prescribed in 
the routine practice become real poisons and murderous agerts. 
Convinced by a thousand-fold experience, I assert this of :he 
homoeopathic employment of medicines universally and invari- 
ably, particularly when the disease is acute; and this is especially 
true of the employment of Belladonna, Stramonium and Hyoszya- 
mus in hydrophobia. 

"So let it not be said, 'One of these three remedies was given 
in the strongest doses, and not too seldom, but every two or three 
hours, and yet the patient died.' 'That was precisely the reason/ 
I reply with firm conviction, 'that ivas precisely the reason wiry the 
patient died, and you killed him. 1 Had you let him take the 
smallest portion of a drop of the quintillion-fold (loth) or deciiion- 
fold (30th) attenuation of the juice of one of these plants for a 
dose (in rare cases repeating the dose after three or four cays) 
then the patient would have been easily and certainly saved" 
(Mat. Med. Pura). 

Fright enters into many of the conditions calling for Eyos- 
cyamus and it is useful in convulsions in children when you can 
trace the cause back to some fright that they have had (81). 
It is to be thought of in epileptiform spasms (66) or convulsions 
in children or after labor (155). 

In the eyes we have spasms of the ocular muscles, eyes distorted 
or rolling, with dilated pupils (76); also illusions of vision, in 
which objects seem too large (78), or double (77). 

We have twitching of the muscles of the face, noticed especially 
in conditions of nervous excitability, and in delirium a dry and 



HYPERICUM PERFORATUM. 507 

cracked tongue, with more or less paralysis (192), the " tongue 
protruded with difficulty, can hardly draw it in" (Hering). 

We have involuntary movements of the bowels, in nervous 
conditions, and a paralysis of the bladder (22), with involuntary 
discharge of urine, and retention of urine, especially after labor 
(200), with seemingly no power to evacuate the bladder. 

Hyoscyamus is a remedy that must be thought of in nympho- 
mania (146), sometimes of the most furious character, and with 
loss of all shame. As I look upon the drug this condition is chiefly 
mental and they only wish to expose themselves and talk on for- 
bidden subjects. 

Hyoscyamus has a dry, hacking, irritating cough, worse while 
lying down at night, better sitting up (41) and seemingly due to 
an irritable condition of the epiglottis, or from elongation of the 
uvula (44); this is especially found in phthisis and towards the 
end of whooping cough, with the aggravation at night on lying 
down. We also have irritable cough worse after eating (41), 
drinking (41), talking or singing. 

It is a remedy to be remembered in sleeplessness (169) from 
nervous irritation, with great uneasiness and restlessness, and 
with difficult breathing or swallowing; also, as Talcott says: 
"Sleeplessness without apparent cause. The patient is very 
nervous; jumps in his sleep, and thus awakens himself." It is 
very useful in the troubled sleep of children, when they twitch 
(193), cry out and wake in fright (81). 

I use Hyoscyamus 3d. 

HYPERICUM PERFORATUM. 

St. John's Wort or Plant. 

(Hypericum — "The ancient name, of unknown derivation " 
Millspaugh). 

This naturalized weed, which derives its specific name from 
the fact that the " transparent dots" common to the leaves of most 
of the species are in it peculiarly conspicuous, so as to give the 
leaf the appearance of being perforated. 

It is an ancient drug, being mentioned by some of the earliest 



508 MATERIA MEDICA. 

writers upon materia medica, who assigned to it many a supposed 
virtue. Later the people gathered it for its imaginary powers, 
but it was not until it was proved by Dr. Geo. F. Mueller of Ger- 
many, that its real value as a medicine was determined. 

" Hypericum, " says Allen (N. A. Jour. Horn., May '94), "has 
been used since the dawn of medicine; Hippocrates esteemed it as 
one of his chief remedies; Paracelsus declared that he preferred it 
to all the compounds of the apothecaries; but for the last century 
it has gradually disappeared from view, to reappear within a few 
years, mainly from the saying of Dr. Ludlam that it is a remedy for 
bruised nerves as arnica is for bruised muscles." 

While the principal condition in which we use the remedy is for 
the results following injuries to nerves, recent or remote, the 
symptoms arising from such injury may be almost innumerable. 

It is to be thought of for mashed, lacerated, gunshot and pene- 
trating wounds from pointed instruments, especially in parts rich 
in nerves, for example, the fingers and toes and vertebral region. 

Hering says: "It prevents lockjaw from wounds in soles of feet, 
or of fingers and palms of hands." It is also to be thought of in 
tetanus (189). 

Hypericum has a severe headache on vertex, with a feeling as 
if the whole head would burst. It also has a sensation, which 
Allen (Trans. A. I. H. '94) says no other remedy has, as if the head 
were becoming elongated upward or extending upward like a 
conical hat. 

It is of value in concussion of the brain and spine and in injuries 
to the coccyx (34), and some of the symptoms, in the former 
condition which were cured by the remedy, were in one case, 
stiffness of extremities, chilliness, diarrhoea from any excitement, 
nervous cough and asthmatic breathing, worse before a storm. 

It has proved of value in spasmodic asthma (21) associated 
with sensitiveness of the spine, with marked aggravation in a fog, 
not necessarily in damp weather. 

Many cases of chronic neuritis have yielded to this remedy, 
whether traumatic in origin or not. 

In general, excessive painfulness and soreness of the affected 
part will be important symptoms calling for Hypericum. 



IGNATIA. 509 

There is apt to be an aggravation of the pains before a storm 
and during damp weather (9). 
I use Hypericum 6th. 

IGNATIA. 

Strychnos Ignatia, Bean of St. Ignatius. 

(St. Ignatius a contemporary of the Apostles.) 

We use the seeds of a tree, a native of the Philippines, which 
was first proved for us by Hahnemann. 

The old school know of Ignatia from the fact that it contains 
more Strychnia than does Nux vom. and they claim that this is 
the only difference between the two drugs. 

Hahnemann tells us that although the positive effects of Ignatia 
"have a great resemblance to those of Nux vomica (which indeed 
might be inferred from the botanical relationship of these two 
plants) yet there is a great difference in their therapeutic employ- 
ment" (Mat. Med. Pura). 

Dunham says: "We shall see that, however great the similarity, 
there are yet great, and to us, as therapeutists, most valuable 
differences between these drugs. This is not the first instance in 
which a superficial use of chemistry has led to error." 

Allen says: "It contains a large amount of strychnia, and most 
of its toxic properties are due to that alkaloid, but the other ele- 
ments contained in it determine marked peculiarities, especially 
extreme sensitiveness of the nerves, symptoms of hysteria, neu- 
ralgia and a peculiar form of fever." 

The chief characteristic of Ignatia is the unexpectedness of its 
conditions of amelioration and aggravation; when they are blue 
or in sorrow they want to be left alone (132); when they have a 
chill they have thirst (121), while with the fever they have none, 
but want to be covered up warmly (121); "there is great sensi- 
tiveness of the surface, which instead of being aggravated by con- 
tact and by pressure, is relieved by it. "This perversion of the 
co-ordination of functions" (Dunham), this contradiction of 
symptoms, the so-called "contrariness," is a general character- 
istic of Ignatia both mentally and physically. 



510 MATERIA MEDICA. 

There is extreme sensitiveness to pain (148), a general tendency 
to faintness, hysterical debility and nervous prostration. 

There are many conditions resulting from fright which call for 
Ignatia and it is to be thought of in epilepsy (67) and chorea from 
fright (32), as well as for convulsions in children from teething 
(36), convulsions from fright (36) or from worms. 

Hahnemann after telling us that Ignatia "is particularly suitable 
for acute diseases/' says: " Epileptic attacks that come on in 
young persons after some great fright, before they become very 
numerous, may be cured by a few doses of Ignatia. But it is very 
improbable that chronic epileptic fits of other kinds can be cured, 
or have ever been cured, by this medicine" (Mat. Med. Pura). 

It is a very useful remedy in hysteria, whether from anger, 
shock or pain and for hysterical paralysis (120); and as Dunham 
says, "of all our remedies none so completely corresponds to hys- 
teria, and so often cures it as Ignatia." In all the phases of 
hysteria requiring this remedy, there is a changeable mood, often 
flushing of one cheek or the other (27) and a tendency to scream, 
tear their clothing, and bite anyone who endeavors to restrain 
them. 

Mentally Ignatia is indicated, when as the result of depressing 
emotions the patient refuses to be comforted; those cases where 
consolation cannot be given, as the cause seemed so unnecessary 
and the effect so overwhelming. 

It is particularly useful in ailments resulting from griefs, family 
afflictions or financial misfortunes, "ailments of a nature which 
lead to concealment rather than publicity, and over which the 
patient broods in silence" (Talcott). 

In sorrow or in anger the Ignatia patient will not share her 
troubles with anyone but wants to be alone with her thoughts 
(9) and preferably with the door locked. There may be alterna- 
tions of laughing and crying, but despondency is the usual state, 
associated with frequent deep sighs (25), and it is especially to 
be thought of in suppressed grief when they do not or cannot cry, 
when they "weep tears inwardly;" they cannot become reconciled 
to what has happened and you will find it a valuable remedy 
whether the cause of the grief be near or remote. Talcott says, 



IGNATIA. 511 

"the cases of melancholia in which Ignatia does not find a place 
during some period of their treatment are very few." 

Ill humor (184) is very pronounced in Ignatia', she is very 
sensitive to slight blame and she resents, with emphasis, any contra- 
diction, and the mere fact that she has a feeling of anger towards 
one person leads her to feel the same way towards others, including 
herself. She does not make up readily for real or fancied wrongs, 
but rather nurses or broods over them. 

In the head we find Ignatia useful for pains that are sharp and 
confined to one spot or point, as if some sharp instrument or a 
nail were being driven into the head (106), as in clavus hystericus, 
and in the throat we have a sensation as of a ball rising from the 
stomach half way up the oesophagus or to the throat (189), as in 
globus hystericus, which sensation is better from swallowing and 
returns when not swallowing. 

It is useful in supraorbital neuralgia, with a pressing or boring 
pain (76) confined to one spot, and here as with the headache, 
relieved perhaps by lying on the spot or by pressure there. 

The headache is "worse from talking or listening or paying 
close attention to anything, with a sensation of heaviness or 
congestion, but not a real congestion" (Dunham) because it pre- 
sents the unexpected condition of being relieved by stooping 
forward (93). 

In the eyes we have ciliary neuralgia (75), with spasms of the 
lids (nictitation) (79), " intense but frightful photophobia" 
(Hering) and in all conditions, general nervous or hysterical 
symptoms. 

There is facial neuralgia after emotional excitement, convulsive 
twitchings of the muscles of the face or corners of the mouth 
whenever the patient attempts to speak, and "spasmodic closing 
of the jaws" (Lippe). 

One symptom frequently found and for which we almost as fre- 
quently prescribe the remedy, is where one bites the side of the 
tongue or inside of the cheek when talking or chewing (27). 

I can say nothing, personally, of the use of Ignatia in follicular 
tonsillitis or diphtheria, as I have never used it in either trouble. 
The reason for not using it is because I have never met the symp- 



512 MATERIA MEDICA. 

toms calling for it in either disease; others have, however, and 
think highly of it in both conditions. 

The guiding throat symptoms are, to quote from the patho- 
genesis of the remedy, "sticking in throat when not swallowing, 
and even somewhat when swallowing, the more he swallows 
the more it disappears, entirely better swallowing anything solid/' 
or as the patient puts it, there is more pain on empty swallowing 
(183) or on swallowing saliva than on swallowing a crust of bread. 
This is a condition frequently met with in throat conditions, 
especially nervous, and Ignatia is a valuable remedy for it. 

In half of the cases coming to you because they think they have 
swallowed a fish-bone and can feel it sticking in their throat every 
time they swallow (190), it is a mistake for they have done no 
such thing, even if they have been eating fish. In a majority of 
the rest of the cases there is no bone to be found ; but in nine-tenths 
of all the cases, Ignatia given internally will cure the cause of the 
irritation. 

In the stomach, whatever the trouble, there is in general, 
relief from eating (174). We may have indigestion, with an aver- 
sion to the ordinary articles of diet and with a longing for all sorts 
of things that they know will not agree with them, or what is 
rather a common symptom, a weak, empty feeling in the stomach 
(179), a feeling as if they had been fasting, noticed especially 
in the middle of the night, with a longing for some unexpected 
article of food ; twice I have seen it where a cold boiled potato was 
the only thing that would satisfy their desire and they would get 
out of bed and go to the ice-box for it. 

During pregnancy this remedy is to be thought of when the 
nausea and vomiting (153) is relieved by eating. 

The dyspepsia calling for Ignatia is frequently caused by depress- 
ing emotions, and while there is distention of the stomach and 
abdomen (13), there are but few eructations. There is, however, 
excessive flatulence (81) in hysterical conditions, the discharge, 
as one symptom reads, being "abrupt, offensive, not without exer- 
tion of abdominal muscles/' 

Ignatia is to be thought of for fissure of the anus (159), 
without constipation, and in spasmodic contraction of the anus 



IGNATIA. 513 

(158), worse after stool; and in both conditions, with pains 
shooting upward and aggravation "when walking and standing 
and relieved by sitting " (Dunham). It is also to be thought of 
for bleeding haemorrhoids (85), with stabbing, shooting pains 
from below upward, "the pains worse with a soft stool" (Lilien- 
thal). 

An important symptom to keep in mind is the easy prolapse of 
the rectum (160) after a slight exertion at stool; there may even be 
no movement but the rectum will protrude. 

There is great itching and creeping at the anus (159), producing 
most violent nervous symptoms, even convulsions, in children. 

The constipation calling for Ignatia is very similar to that 
found under Nux vom., where there is frequent or almost constant 
desire for stool, but the effort is ineffectual (34) resulting only in 
a prolapsus of the rectum. 

The diarrhoea is usually painless, with great and sudden urging 
and often associated with tenesmus (61) "occurring only after 
stool" (Bell). The diarrhoea is caused by fright or emotional 
excitement, especially from grief (57) and is accompanied by 
much rumbling in abdomen (11) and emission of flatus. It is 
one of the remedies useful for alternation of diarrhoea and con- 
stipation (34). 

With the hysteria calling for Ignatia we have very profuse, 
watery urine (199). It is a remedy to be remembered in incon- 
tinence of urine in women and children (199) due to an irresistible 
desire or pressure to urinate, as well as for retention of urine after 
confinement (200). 

Menstruation under Ignatia is apt to be irregular as the result 
of irritation of the nervous system ; it is too early and too profuse 
(135) or suppressed, especially from grief (135), with severe pains 
and great mental excitement. Preceding menstruation there may 
be a good deal of sighing as if she were full of suppressed sorrow. 

It is of great value in ovarian neuralgia (147), with great mental 
anxiety, as well as during labor, where the mental symptoms 
occupy a prominent place, and they will not only tell you that they 
can't stand the pain, as they say in Cham., but that they won't. 

Remember Ignatia in hysterical paralysis (120) of various kinds 
and for hysterical aphonia (117). 



514 MATERIA MEDICA. 

It has a reflex cough (47) due to some remote affection, as 
from the uterus or ovaries, or from worms, but the especial cough 
is a nervous (46), irritable, constant one (44) caused by tickling 
in the throat or trachea, perhaps as if "from sulphur fumes (43) 
or from dust" (Lippe). The cough is worse after lying down at 
night, with the " contrary" indication that coughing does not 
relieve the irritation but rather aggravates it (41) and the more 
he coughs the more pronounced the irritation becomes and he 
tries in every way to suppress the cough. 

In nervous conditions we find twitching of the extremities 
(193) or a single jerk in a limb on falling asleep. 

The sciatica of Ignatia is worse at night (164) and during cold 
weather (164). The pains are intermittent, last perhaps an hour, 
boring or tearing in character, and are preceded by coldness or 
shivering and maybe with thirst. During the paroxysms the 
patient is unable to remain in bed but must get up and walk the 
floor (164). 

In intermittent fever, Ignatia is true to itself as regards its con- 
trary aspects. There is no especial hour for the onset of the 
paroxysm, as it may come on at almost any time and in fact it is 
said that irregularity as regards the return of the chill is a charac- 
teristic of the remedy. 

The great characteristic, however, is thirst (121) during the 
chill and none during the fever. Hahnemann says: "The heat 
of Ignatia is hardly ever anything but external ; moreover, there is 
hardly ever any thirst accompanying it, not even when it occurs 
in the form of an intermittent fever." "Hence Ignatia in the 
smallest dose can only homoeopathically and permanently cure 
those agues which have thirst during the chill, but none during 
the heat" (Mat. Med. Pura). 

During the chill, external warmth is not only grateful, which 
we usually find, but it relieves (121), which we seldom find. 
During the fever the patient also wants to be covered up warmly 
(121). The sweating stage is usually less pronounced than either 
of the others. 

Preceding the chill there is frequent yawning and often neu- 
ralgia of the head (104) or extremities. 



IODUM. 515 

Hahnemann says: "It is best to administer" Ignatia "in the 
morning, if there is no occasion for hurry. When given shortly 
before bedtime it causes too much restlessness at night" (Mat. 
Med. Pur a). 

Ignatia is especially useful for women, as Nux vom. is for men. 

Nux vom. and Puis, are more or less antidotal to Ignatia. 
Coff. cr. is incompatible. 

I use Ignatia 1st. 

IODUM. 

Iodine. 

"The element Iodine exists in nature only in the combined 
state. Sea water is the great source of it, whence it is appropri- 
ated by marine plants and animals. It is contained in cod-liver 
oil to the amount of .03 or .04 per cent." (Am. Horn. Phar.). 

Our strongest solution or tincture (really the 1st) 1 contains 
one per cent, and must be kept in a glass-stoppered bottle. 

Hughes, while not questioning the value of an easily-digested 
animal oil as an article of food, asks if the presence of Iodine in 
cod-liver oil does not give it a medicinal value as well? 

Hahnemann, who first introduced Iodine into our materia 
medica, says: "Even in the higher and highest degrees of dynam- 
ization" (referring to the 30th) " Iodine is a very heroic medicine, 
which calls for every precaution of the good homoeopathic physi- 
cian; when misapplied in allopathic hands, Iodine is frequently 
seen to cause the most fearful destruction of the body and life of 
patients" (Chr. Dis.). 

You must keep in mind that our study to-day of Iodine is 
necessarily incomplete, as it should include its chemical combi- 
nations with Calcarea, Potash, Mercury, etc., the symptomatology 
of these salts having much in common with that of Iodine, modi- 
fied more or less by the various bases. 

Iodine affects nearly every organ and tissue in the body. It 
causes an acute catarrh of all mucous membranes, especially of 
the eyes and nose. It at first stimulates the functions and in- 
creases the secretions of all glandular structures, causing hyper- 
trophy, to be followed later by atrophy, especially of the testicles 
34 



516 MATERIA MEDICA. 

and mammas. It produces general emaciation and the more 
emaciated the patient the more is Iodine indicated. 

"It is particularly important to observe," says Allen, "that 
it controls inflammations (with high temperature) of many, if 
not all parenchematous structures, particularly the lungs, when 
the indications permit its exhibition." Iodine inflammation is 
accompanied, in particular, with plastic exudation (120). 

Cases requiring Iodine, when not febrile, are apt to have great 
appetite (119) but rapid emaciation. The appetite is ravenous 
and while many of the symptoms read better after eating (174) 
it is only a temporary relief and the hunger especially soon re- 
turns. In spite of the amount of food taken, they lose flesh 
rapidly, or as the laity express it, "it makes them poor to carry 
it," and Iodine is of especial value for emaciation ending in maras- 
mus (129), and particularly, emaciation of glandular tissues, 
breasts, testicles, (188) etc. 

It is indicated in numerous wasting diseases, especially in 
scrofulous patients, with all that the word scrofula implies. The 
lymphatics are large, hard (82) and usually painless, and, as 
Farrington points out, with the exception of the mental condi- 
tion, "torpidity and sluggishness is a characteristic of Iodine" 
In persons of a scrofulous diathesis, Iodine is especially to be 
thought of for those with dark hair and eyes (88). 

Mentally, the Iodine patient is despondent, apprehensive and 
restless and "may feel," says Talcott, "that the brain is stirred 
up, and that he must keep in constant motion, or go insane;" 
but during fevers and wasting diseases we often find excessive 
irritability and sensitiveness to real or fancied wrongs. 

It is a valuable remedy in tubercular meningitis (133) and 
in hydrocephalus (119). 

Iodine is to be thought of in persistent headaches, associated 
with vertigo on active exertion, and for congestive headache, 
with sensation of a band around head (105) and with dizziness, 
and noticed especially in old people. 

In the ears it is useful in chronic deafness, with adhesions in 
the middle ear or with glandular enlargement; or in deafness 
with chronic catarrh of the Eustachian tube (63) and roaring 



IODUM. 517 

in the ears (65) and usually with inflammation and swelling of 
the tonsils. 

In inflammation of the tonsils it is of especial value for acute 
conditions, the combinations of Iodine being more frequently 
indicated in chronic enlargement or hypertrophy (192). 

It is valuable for acute fluent coryza (37), with profuse hot 
discharge (39) making the nose sore. In these coryzas there is 
fever, lachrymation, sneezing, etc., more or less stoppage of the 
nose at night (40) and profuse flow in the open air (37) and 
with headache at the root of the nose or over the frontal sinuses 
(95). 

It is to be thought of in syphilitic iritis (74) and in syphilitic 
and mercurial (139) ulceration of the throat, with swelling of 
the lymphatics. 

Iodine is very valuable in goitre (83) or bronchocele and 
especially so in the beginning or when the tumor is soft. It is 
also of value later on, Hering saying: " Inveterate cases of goitre; 
the harder they feel, and the more other symptoms are wanting,. 
the better indicated." 

Many cures have been made with infinitesimal doses of this 
remedy and many a mineral spring has made its reputation for 
the cure of goitre from the minute amount of Iodine that it con- 
tained. Allen warns us against the local application of Iodine 
to the goitre, saying that while the tumor has been reduced r 
there have followed alarming pulmonary symptoms. 

Salivation (163) is prominent under Iodine and Hughes speaks 
of it "in the salivation of mercury as well as in that of pregnancy" 
(155). It is to be thought of in enlargement of the spleen (173), 
due to liver troubles, and accompanied by salivation. It is of 
value in diseases of the pancreas (149) both acute and chronic, 
with salivation, and in acute conditions with fatty diarrhoea. 

Iodine is useful in jaundice (122) after the abuse of mercury 
(139) or from cirrhosis of the liver, and of especial value for 
tabes mesenterica, or a tubercular degeneration of the mesen- 
teric glands (83), found particularly in children of a scrofulous 
diathesis, with distention of the abdomen, enormous appetite yet 
rapid emaciation, and exhausting diarrhoea (58), stools frothy 
(59), foamy, " whey-like" (Hering). 



518 MATERIA MEDICA. 

In diabetes (56) Iodine would be of value where we had 
canine hunger, yet rapid emaciation, and especially when due to 
some diseases of the pancreas. 

It is to be thought of in incontinence of urine in old men 
(199), with hypertrophy of the prostate (155). It is of value not 
only in atrophy of the testicles (188) but also when they are swollen 
(188) and hard, usually without pain, and it has cured many 
cases of hydrocele (119) when taken internally. 

In the female sexual organs we often find as accompanying 
indications, atrophy of the breasts and ovaries. There may be 
amenorrhoea, or the menses "may be too early and too profuse" 
(Minton) (135), and we frequently have a chronic excoriating 
leucorrhcea (126) "most abundant at the time of the menses" 
(Hering). Uterine haemorrhage is common, sometimes after 
every stool, and it is a remedy useful in chronic metritis and 
cancer (202). 

Of the ovaries, the r. is more apt to be affected (147) and 
besides atrophy, it is of value in inflammation (148) and for 
cysts of the r. ovary. A characteristic sensation of this remedy 
in female sexual troubles is a pressing, wedge-like pain from the 
r. ovary down towards the uterus (148). 

The cough of Iodine is hard, dry and croupy, with sawing 
respiration (25). It is of value in true croup (52), and in those 
cases where there is inability to swallow you need not fear about 
getting equally good results by olfaction; so put some Iodine 
in the steam-kettle and let the patient inhale the vapor. To 
quote directly from the Handbook: "A large number of cases of 
'membranous' croup have been cured by the lower dilutions; 
our experience is that it is indicated in the early stage with more 
or less fever, with dry skin and a very dry cough, great difficulty 
in respiration; it follows closely after Aeon.; if Aeon, has been 
given and the patient is not improving, or if Aeon, has relieved 
only the restlessness and extreme anxiety but not the cough, the 
patient is still dry and hot and the cough is still croupy, then give 
Iod.; it is, however, rarely useful after the febrile excitement has 
disappeared or if the patient perspires freely." 

In whooping cough it would be indicated when there was rapid 
emaciation and great appetite. 



IPECACUANHA. 519 

In pneumonia (150) Iodine is one of our most valuable remedies. 
Like Bryonia, it is indicated after the Aeon, stage has passed, 
although the fever is still high, and hepatization has taken place; 
but unlike Bryonia, it lacks the sharp, cutting pains, and instead 
of perspiration, the skin is dry. 

It is particularly valuable in the pneumonia of scrofulous 
subjects, or in those having a tendency towards phthisis, and in 
pneumonia at the apex. A thought that we can keep in mind is, 
that Iodine has an especial affinity for the apex and Phos. for the 
base of the lung. 

"It was formerly supposed," says Allen, "that left-sided pneu- 
monia indicated Iod.; but it is now known that it is equally 
useful in pneumoma of either side." 

In phthisis it is of value with the rough voice, dry skin, emacia- 
tion and night-sweats (185) ; also remember it in the last stage of 
phthisis (149), where it seems to act, more or less, as a tonic. 

Iodine is of value in pericarditis complicating pneumonia or 
rheumatism (162) and it is one of the remedies useful in hyper- 
trophy of the heart (110). While occupying a minor position 
in Hahnemann's Chr. Dis. and in Allen's Encyclop., Hering raises 
to the highest place the symptom, sensation as if the heart were 
being squeezed (113). 

Iodine is useful in articular rheumatism, with nightly aggrava- 
tion, the joints hot, shiny and swollen and very painful. The 
pains are shifting (149) or wandering, attack the meninges of 
the brain and finally the heart (162). 

It is useful in gonorrhceal rheumatism (161), in affections of 
the joints following mercury or syphilis or due to scrofulous 
affections, and in synovitis of the knee-joint (125), housemaid's 
knee. 

I use Iodine in the tincture. 

IPECACUANHA. 

Ipecac. 

This Brazilian shrub was first proved by Hahnemann. Ipecac 
produces an increase of the secretions from the gastro-intestinal 



520 MATERIA MEDICA. 

and respiratory tracts, along with nausea and vomiting. This 
latter condition is a key-note to the use of the remedy, for in 
almost all the diseases in which it is employed, the gastric symp- 
toms are prominent, with the nausea constant, and usually with 
the additional characteristic of the tongue being clean. 

If we were not dealing with such a serious subject as medicine, 
which means health and often life itself to the patient, it would 
be amusing to notice the shifts that the old school are put to, to 
explain and justify their appropriation of homoeopathic ideas. 
It would be a nice legal question to consider, whether a physician 
is not criminally liable when he refuses to learn how the health 
of those intrusted to his care may be benefited. 

One old-school author, Bartholow, acknowledges his indebted- 
ness to homoeopathy when he says: "It has long been known 
that Ipecacuanha, in small doses, has the power to arrest certain 
kinds of vomiting. Attention has recently been recalled to this 
curious fact. It is in nervous vomiting more especially that 
this remedy is useful; for example, in the vomiting of pregnancy, 
vomiting of drunkards, vomiting of migraine, etc. A minim 
of the vinum ipecacuanhas" (fl. ext. Ipec, oz. 2; sherry wine, oz. 
30), " given every half hour or hour in a little water, will some- 
times relieve these cases in a very remarkable manner.' ' 

Because the doctor refuses to learn the principles of homoeopa- 
thy, he is obliged to add: "But it very frequently fails, and there 
are no indications at present known which will enable the prac- 
titioner to determine beforehand whether it will or will not be 
successful." Of course, we do not consider vomiting, per se, as 
a reason for giving Ipecac; but if along with the vomiting we have 
the symptoms calling for the remedy, then we can expect it to 
cure, and not otherwise. 

The headaches of Ipecac may be neuralgic, or due to indiges- 
tion (97) and the pains may involve the eyes. The sensations 
in the head are of a bursting (104) or bruised character (91), 
or what is considered as more characteristic, a bruised or crushed 
feeling as if something pierced through the skull (103) from the 
vertex to the teeth or root of the tongue. Associated with this 
we have constant nausea and some vomiting. 



IPECACUANHA. 521 

In the eyes Ipecac is of value in phlyctenular conjunctivitis 
(76) and in ulcers on the cornea (77), especially when there is 
much redness and great photophobia. In inflammatory and 
neuralgic conditions, associated with the photophobia, there is 
a gush of tears whenever the spasmodically-closed lids are opened 
(76). 

In the stomach the constant nausea is the prominent symp- 
tom. This nauseated state may be due to a disordered stomach 
from injudicious eating or from too great a mixture (6) asso- 
ciated with a white-coated or clean tongue, but it is especially the 
result of nervous irritability, or the accompaniment of the various 
troubles for which the remedy is useful, particularly haemorrhage 
from various organs of the body. 

There is aversion to all food (6) and persistent nausea, which 
is not relieved even when they are able to vomit. There is a 
good deal of salivation (163) and the vomited matter consists 
largely of mucus and sometimes of blood. It is of value in the 
obstinate vomiting of blood from the stomach and would still be 
indicated if the blood was black (208) or tar-like. This is one of 
the many remedies where the stomach feels as if it hung down 
relaxed (179). 

In diarrhoea, besides the ever-present nausea of the remedy, 
we find the stools green, green as grass (59) or light-yellow 
and fermented (58). In dysentery the stools may be of dark 
blood and fermented, looking "like frothy molasses" (Hering). 
It is of value in diarrhoea from injudicious eating, in the beginning 
of cholera infantum and in autumnal diarrhoea (58). There is 
not much colic associated with the stools but there is a relaxed 
feeling in the stomach or abdomen. 

Ipecac is often useful in hematuria (85), especially from the 
kidneys, with cutting pains and nausea. 

Menstruation is too frequent or too early and too profuse (135), 
with bright red blood, colic and persistent nausea. 

It is of value for the nausea and vomiting (153), as well as for 
the salivation of pregnancy (155), with, as Lilienthal puts it, 
"one continual state of nausea." It is of frequent use in threat- 
ening miscarriage (13), with bright red blood and nausea, and 



522 MATERIA MEDICA. 

it is always to be kept in mind for haemorrhage following mis- 
carriage or parturition (152) and in placenta praevia, with the 
constant nausea, faintness and gasping for breath. Many physi- 
cians make it a practice, at the end of labor, of leaving some 
Ipecac to be used in case haemorrhage should occur. 

In asthma (19) and in spasmodic asthma (21), Ipecac could 
be used to advantage much oftener than it is. There is constric- 
tion of the throat, sensation of weight on the chest (29) and 
general fear of suffocation, with wheezing and rattling (45) but 
with little expectoration, and according to Lilienthal, of especial 
value for fat people, old or young, who are sensitive to a warm, 
moist atmosphere. 

The cough here and in some other conditions may be dry, with 
a feeling of suffocation as though one had inhaled sulphur fumes 
(43), the patient becoming blue in the face, with coughing. 

Usually the cough of Ipecac sounds loose and rattling (45), 
it occurs in paroxysms, is associated with nausea, and with the 
expectoration there is usually vomiting. It is a very valuable 
remedy in broncho-pneumonia (151), with loud mucous rales, 
paroxysmal cough, vomiting and sense of suffocation. In bron- 
chitis there is a great accumulation of mucus, especially in the 
larger tubes, with profuse expectoration, associated with retching 
and vomiting. 

It is frequently indicated in whooping cough and particularly 
so when the cough causes haemorrhage (47). The cough is par- 
oxysmal, and besides causing retching and vomiting, is so vio- 
lent that the child seems to lose his breath, gets blue in the face 
(47) and has haemorrhages into the eye, from the nose or from 
the lungs. 

It is frequently called for in haemorrhage from the lungs (27), 
tubercular or otherwise, with gasping for breath, preceded by a 
sensation of bubbling in the chest and followed by expectoration 
of frothy mucus (69). 

In intermittent fever calling for this remedy there is a per- 
fectly developed paroxysm of chill, fever and sweat, but without 
any pronounced or deep-seated aching. There is persistent 
nausea, especially during the chill and fever and while there is 



IRIS VERSICOLOR. 523 

seldom any thirst during the chill, there is great thirst (121) 
during the fever and the water taken is apt to be vomited. 

It is to be thought of prominently where quinine has been ad- 
ministered (158) and mixed the case up, or where the symptoms 
presenting do not give clear-cut indications of any remedy. A 
few doses of Ipecac given at such times will often straighten out 
the case so that the proper remedy may be selected. 

Ipecac is perhaps more useful in an acute or recent case, and 
Sulph. in a chronic case, where quinine has suppressed or changed 
the symptoms, so that one is unable to determine the character 
of the paroxysm. 

I use Ipecac 3d. 

IRIS VERSICOLOR. 

Larger Blue Flag — Fleur-de-lis. 

(7m, the goddess of the rainbow; Versicolor, many colored.) 

This beautiful plant, the root of which is used for our tincture, 
abounds throughout the United States, in wet places, blossoming 
from May to June. Millspaugh tells us that the root is often 
mistaken for that of Calamus or Sweet-flag. The taste of the 
7ns is acrid and nauseating. 

"Iris was highly esteemed by our Indians for gastric disturb- 
ances and also in domestic practice when ptyalism was considered 
necessary" (Millspaugh). 

Hale says that "Iris had a great reputation among the aborig- 
ines of this country as a cathartic; they transmitted an account 
of its virtues to the early pioneers, thence to the ' botanic' doctors, 
then the eclectics, and finally, it having been proved, it assumed 
a dignified position in the hands of homoeopathists." 

It was first proved by Dr. J. G. Rowland, in 1852. 7ns vers. 
produces nausea and vomiting, it is an active cathartic and 
diuretic, and stimulates the liver as well as the pancreas. "One 
of the indications for its use is the acid diathesis, or an acidity 
of the secretions" (Hale). 

Perhaps the greatest reputation attaches to 7ns vers, as a sick- 
headache remedy, and these headaches may be neuralgic or of 



524 MATERIA MEDICA. 

gastric origin (97). It is of value in one-sided (r., Hale), neu- 
ralgic headaches, associated with gastric symptoms. The head- 
aches are periodic (99), occurring every few days; the pains 
usually begin over one eye, as a rule the r. (76), and are nearly 
always " preceded by" (Hughes) (104) or associated with blurring 
of vision (104) and accompanied by nausea and vomiting. It is 
of value in infraorbital neuralgia of the r. side, beginning after 
breakfast. 

In the mouth we have a good deal of thick, ropy saliva (163), 
so profuse, reads one symptom, that it drops from the mouth 
during conversation ; notwithstanding this, and due to the acidity 
of the secretions, the mouth and tongue feel as if they had been 
scalded (140). This burning sensation or feeling as if burnt, we 
will come across in Iris vers, whenever a mucous membrane is 
referred to. 

Hale speaks of Iris vers, as useful "in stomatitis (140), with or 
without ulceration (canker), when there is painful burning in 
mouth and fauces." 

Nausea and vomiting are prominent features; the vomited 
matter is sour and acid and burns the mouth and oesophagus. 
We have nausea and vomiting and profuse salivation (163) asso- 
ciated with the headache of the remedy and in dyspepsia calling 
for Iris vers, we have in addition, burning in the stomach (178) 
that cold water does not relieve. 

It is a good remedy to have in mind for the nausea and vomit- 
ing (153) as well as for the salivation of pregnancy (155). 

It is of value in derangements of the liver, bilious colic, etc., 
with jaundice (122), soreness over the region of the liver, vomiting 
of bile, which is acrid and burns the whole length of the oesopha- 
gus, and headache. 

It is a valuable remedy for constipation, with burning in anus 
after a movement, especially when associated with recurring 
sick headache and vomiting, and for flatulence, with colic, especi- 
ally in children. 

In diarrhoea calling for Iris vers., the movements are frequent, 
thin and preceded by colic; they are corrosive and burn (61), 
with, as every author agrees, burning in anus as if it were on 



JATROPHA. 525 

fire. Along with this, there is disturbance and burning through- 
out the entire gastro-intestinal tract, resulting in that easily- 
remembered symptom of Dr. Shelton's, " Thirty feet of fire." 

In sciatica the pains would be burning in character (164), 
worse on the 1. side and worse on motion. 

It is to be thought of for herpes zoster (114), psoriasis (158), 
eczema, etc., all associated with the gastric and other symptoms 
of the remedy, with, as Dearborn says, aggravation from warmth 
(122). 

I use Iris vers. 3d. 

JATROPHA. 

Purging or Physic Nut — Cuban Physic Nut — Barbadoz Nut. 

{Jatropha — ictr/oo?, iatros, a physician; rpwcjirj, trophe, sub- 
stance or food.) 

Hering first proved the seeds of this plant for us, the various 
names given to it describing its action and the localities where 
it is found. Much of the commercial croton oil is made from the 
jatropha seeds. 

Allen says that Jatropha is "an extremely valuable and too 
little used remedy for profuse, gushing (59), watery diarrhoea, 
sometimes associated with coldness of the body and unquenchable 
thirst, ... at times with vomiting of large amounts of albu- 
minous looking substance." 

Associated with the diarrhoea of Jatropha we have, as one of 
the chief characteristics, rumbling and gurgling in the abdomen 
(11). This gurgling is loud and is as if a full bottle were being- 
emptied within the abdomen, and as soon as the gurgling stops, 
or when the bottle is seemingly emptied, there is a call for stool. 
The sphincter at this time, according to personal experience, is 
under good control and usually the patient can wait for a second 
call before he answers. 

(In Thuja there is gurgling that is likened to water coming- 
out of a bung-hole, but it is noticed at the anus during the ex- 
pulsion of the stool and not in the abdomen, as under Jatropha.) 



526 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Xatropha has been found of value in the " first stage of cholera 
(31), before the period of collapse "(Bering), with cramps in 
the calves (71). 

I use Jatropha 3d. 

KALI SALTS. 

The potash salts are tissue drugs in the widest sense of the 
term; some of them "are very complex/' says Allen, " producing 
profound and diverse alterations of both function and nutrition" 
and the potashes, as a class, are more poisonous than any of the 
other alkalies. 

" There are certain family resemblances between all the mem- 
bers of this alkali tribe recognized by all students of pharma- 
cology; features which grouped together make up the 'alkali 
cachexia,'" but in this, as in all families, we will find the different 
members to have certain characteristics or distinctive features 
which will enable us to tell them apart and prevent our mistak- 
ing the one for the other. 

"Our friends of the physiological school seeking to exhibit an 
alkali, take little thought as to which alkali to select; an alkaline 
water is ordered too frequently in a very careless fashion; these* 
waters contain alkalies in great variety and it often seems that 
the water showing the largest amounts of alkaline salts is pre- 
ferred, and is taken in unlimited quantities, with no thought of 
their influence on digestion or on the blood or tissues. As a rule 
they are devilish in their effects, insidious and disorganizing, 
profound tissue changes resulting often, quite out of proportion, 
to the amount taken. 

"I am of the opinion that more chronic disease, predisposing 
to most pernicious and incurable maladies, is produced by the 
almost universal habit of drinking alkaline waters than by any 
other of the numerous habits of the civilized world. These per- 
nicious results may be noticed among the effects of all the alka- 
lies; we find them in all states and stages in alkaline toxicology 
but they are most prominent and most profound in the salts of 
potash. 



KALI SALTS. 527 

" These potash salts as a class produce a profound anaemia, 
increasing all secretions, especially the quantity of urine, while, 
at the same time, the elimination of the solid constituents, especi- 
ally uric acid and urea, is increased (193); the sufferer becomes 
emaciated as well as anaemic; the kidneys after a time become 
inflamed and degenerate; digestion becomes impaired early, for 
-an alkaline stomach does not favor the assimilation of food; the 
patients are always tired and cold. In violent poisoning, head- 
ache, vertigo and even convulsions follow. In more chronic 
cases, the mucous membranes are affected by all the potash salts, 
the secretions varying in respect to amount and character ; catarrh 
is universal. 

"But perhaps the most important and serious lesion produced 
by these salts is the paralysis of the heart. It seems that their 
action is chiefly on the motor-centres in the heart muscle. All 
victims of potash poisoning suffer from cardiac depression but 
not from respiratory failure; these salts do not affect the pneu- 
mogastric nerve as they do most other motor nerves. Emacia- 
tion, excessive waste in the excretions, anaemia, a low, feeble 
pulse, with threatening cardiac failure are thus seen to be essen- 
tial features of the potash disease. 

"A negative point of great value is the absence of fever. I 
would have you never forget that only in the most exceptional 
cases can any potash salt be indicated when there is fever; they 
are applicable only in a condition of weakness, soft pulse, cold- 
ness, general depression, never excitement; certainly not febrile 
excitement" (Trans. Am. Inst. Horn., 7 94). 

Ringer, quoting from some experiments made, says: "Potash 
salts are all far more poisonous than soda salts. Soda salts, in 
twice or three times the quantity which proves fatal in the case 
of the potash salt, produce no effect on the system, except a 
passing weakness." All the potash salts "lessen the frequency 
and force of the heart's beats, and sometimes make them irregular. 
Large doses at once arrest the action of the heart, which always 
ceases to act in the diastole" (114). 

In studying the symptomatology of the various potash salts, 
which we will now take up, especial attention must be paid to 



528 MATERIA MEDICA. 

the character of the secretions from the mucous membranes, to 
the character of the pains and to the period of aggravation. 

KALI BICHROMICUM. 

Potassium Bichromate, K2CR2O7. 

Kali bich. was first proved by Dr. Drysdale, of England, and 
the report published in 1864. A year later the Austrian Society 
published the result of their proving. 

It is a powerfully irritating drug, causing profound changes in 
the tissues, with consequent weakness and depression. Its chief 
action is on the skin and mucous membrane and about the joints. 
It must be kept in mind that in this remedy the action of potash 
is modified or intensified by the chromic acid in the chemical 
combination. 

Your attention has already been called to the fact that while 
as homoeopaths we cannot alternate or mix drugs, a proved 
chemical combination is not only a homoeopathic remedy, but 
many consider that each element of such combination works 
better, or at least quicker, when broken up in the system than 
it would if used alone. While the mixing of two or more drugs 
in the same glass is very seldom seen at the present time, one 
reason, among many, for not doing so is, that the drugs have 
not been proved as a mixture and without such proving no one 
is capable, in most instances, of reasoning out what injurious 
effects one drug would have on another in such mixture. 

The heart's action in Kali bich., as in all the potashes, is weak; 
there is rarely any fever. 

The ulcers on the skin and mucous membranes are round, with 
well-defined edges and tend to penetrate deeply, and have been 
likened to a conductor's punch. 

The secretions from the mucous membranes are profuse, more 
so than in any of the other potashes, and are more tenacious, 
due to the added quality derived from the chromic acid. 

The symptoms of Kali bich. are markedly periodic, although 
no one hour is characteristic of them all, some groups being worse 
in the morning, others in the evening; again their periodicity is 



KALI BICHROMICUM. 529 

in reference to the time of year, for instance, rheumatism that is 
apt to recur in the spring, or dysentery coming on every spring 
or in the beginning of summer. 

The pains are sharp and shifting (149), wandering from one 
place to another, and with periodical aggravations. 

It is a remedy that seems to be especially adapted to fat (80) 
and light-haired people (88) and particularly to fat, short-necked 
children who are inclined to be sluggish. It is also a frequently 
indicated remedy in beer-drinkers. 

In the head we have periodic (99), neuralgic headaches, con- 
fined often to one side of the head in a small spot, as over one 
eye, or " spots that could be covered with the point of the finger" 
(Lippe), "preceded" (Lippe) or accompanied by dimness of vision 
(104) or blindness, and associated with nausea and vomiting. We 
frequently find headache at root of nose, worse in the morning 
and due to an acute or chronic nasal catarrh (96). 

In the eye it is of value in catarrhal inflammation, generally 
of an indolent character, with stringy secretions and without 
much photophobia (76). It is useful for trachoma, or granular 
lids, in the later stages of syphilitic iritis (74) and of especial 
value in ulcers (77) and pustules (76) of the cornea and con- 
junctiva, the ulcers small and penetrating, without much pain, 
photophobia or lachrymation. 

In the ears we can think of Kali bich. in eczema externally 
(64), with watery oozing, and in chronic suppuration of the 
middle ear, with perforation of the drum and thick, tenacious, 
yellow discharge. It is frequently indicated in catarrh of the 
middle ear (63), involving the Eustachian tube (65) and 
associated with naso-pharyngeal catarrh. 

In nasal catarrh it is a remedy in constant use. In acute con- 
ditions, when a cold in the head has reached the catarrhal stage, 
with profuse, stringy and tenacious mucus requiring a good deal 
of blowing to remove it. In the morning on rising the nose is 
filled with an accumulation of dried mucus, "clinkers" and scabs 
(143), and considerable time must be spent before one is able to 
appear at the breakfast table. During the day there are several 
periods of continuous blowing to get rid of the tenacious mucus, 



530 MATERIA MEDICA. 

which is thinner in the open air, and the patient is inclined to 
gauge the severity of the case by the number of her father's 
handkerchiefs that she appropriates for daily use. 

In older and in chronic catarrhal conditions as well as in 
ozsena (148), we have this same dry, adherent mucus, with 
bleeding of the mucous membrane after its removal, and, as Allen 
says, "the formation of ' clinkers' in the nose, the detachment 
of which leaves very sore places or ulcers, is a strongly marked 
characteristic of the drug." In this way the round ulcers start 
and increase in size whenever the mucus is removed, resulting, 
if the condition is not cured, in perforation of the septum and 
Kali bich. is one of our best remedies for, or rather to prevent, 
such perforation (145). 

The sensations in the nose, besides the dryness, obstruction 
or swelling, are of pressure at the root of the nose (96), as if 
mucus had lodged there and that if one could only blow hard 
enough it would afford relief. 

In post-nasal catarrh (143) Kali bich. is very valuable and 
very frequently indicated; the mucus either plugs up the pos- 
terior nares and cannot be loosened by blowing or hawking, or 
it hangs down into the throat and can be seen in strings attached 
to the posterior wall of the pharynx. I have known of patients 
who could remove it only by means of a button-hook, it being 
so thick and tenacious. 

Kali bich. is frequently of use when the face is blotched, as 
seen in beer-drinkers or spotted with pimples, or for acne (14) 
the result of indigestion (15). 

The tongue is smooth, red and cracked in dysentery, or with a 
thick, yellow fur at the base (192) in catarrhal conditions of the 
stomach. Remember that if you give Kali bich. low, 2x or 3x, 
it will result in a black streak along the center of the tongue, a 
good deal as if the patient had been eating licorice. 

It is useful for epithelioma of the tongue (192) and for syphi- 
litic ulcerations, the ulcers being round and penetrating, with 
stinging pains. It is of value in aphthous inflammation of the 
mouth (140) and tongue (140) the edges of the ulcers indurated 
and well denned. There is a sensation of a hair on the back of 



KALI BICHROMICUM. 531 

the tongue or in the fauces (190), which is "not relieved by eating 
or drinking" (Lippe). 

Kali bich. is of great value in catarrhal inflammation of the 
pharynx (and the more chronic the condition the more apt it is 
to be indicated), with dark redness (191) of the posterior wall 
and profuse tenacious exudation, which necessitates much hawk- 
ing, especially in the morning. It will prove of service in chronic 
inflammation of the pharynx (149) and in ulceration of the 
posterior wall, the ulcers having the well defined edges and filled 
with a cheesy exudation. 

In laryngitis and bronchitis the profuse, tenacious, stringy 
expectoration (69) is a prominent feature calling for the remedy. 
"Expectoration of tough mucus so viscid that it drew in strings 
down to the feet" is a general effect noted among those em- 
ployed in "chrome works" and we find that the expectoration 
calling for this remedy is very stringy, that it sticks to the 
pharynx and tongue, causes great hawking and scraping of the 
throat in the effort to get rid of it, and often has finally to be 
wiped off the tongue. 

The cough is worse in the morning after rising, when, as patients 
express it, they have a "clearing-out spell." The mucus is so 
tenacious that the continued effort to remove it causes nausea 
and often vomiting. As it seems to me another indication for 
the remedy is that after coughing and raising the mucus there 
is need to blow the nose. 

If they do not have the "clearing-out spell" before breakfast, 
it seems as though eating loosened the mucus and they then 
have a paroxysm of cough, which is apt to result in the total 
loss of their meal. Of several remedies having cough worse after 
eating (41), Kali bich. and Hyosc. are two prominent ones that 
I always keep in mind. 

The Kali bich. cough is better from warmth (40), and some- 
times better from lying down (40). 

In diphtheria and croup (52) this remedy is often indicated 
in a late stage. Besides the round and deep ulcerations, we have 
the soft pulse, profound prostration, stringy expectoration, gen- 
eral lack of acute painful sensations, little fever and tendency 
35 



532 MATERIA MEDICA. 

to perspiration. It rarely does any good in the febrile stage of 
these affections. 

"In croup especially, it follows Iod. well when the fever and 
exceedingly dry, ringing cough has given place to weakness and 
coldness and a hoarse, barking cough, with tough exudation. 
Kali bich. is followed well by Ant. tarty (Allen, Trans. Am. Inst. 
Horn., '83). 

Nausea and vomiting are frequently associated with other 
conditions calling for this salt of potash. It is of value for 
duodenal and gastric catarrh (178), with jaundice (122), thickly- 
coated tongue, bilious vomiting or vomiting of glairy mucus 
and discharge from the bowels of stringy mucus. It is of benefit 
in dyspepsia associated with nausea and vomiting, in the dys- 
pepsia of beer-drinkers, with flatulence and vomiting of mucus, 
and in nausea and vomiting of drunkards (176). 

In acid dyspepsia (178) we have sour risings and vomiting an 
hour (177) or so after eating and in ulcer of the stomach (181), 
with its nausea and vomiting, we have soreness located in a small 
spot in the stomach. 

The diarrhoea occurs periodically, or is worse in the morning 
and after drinking beer, and the stool is of brown, frothy water 
(58). 

In dysentery there is periodical aggravation, recurring in the 
spring or early summer, the movements worse in the morning, 
gelatinous and bloody, and followed by tenesmus (61). The 
tongue would be red, dry and cracked, or with large insular patches 
(192), but there is no especial thirst or fever. It is to be thought 
of in constipation, that is chronic or periodical (recurring every 
three months), the stools hard, dry and painful to pass; with 
both the loose and constipated stools there is burning in anus 
after a movement (61). 

There is found at times soreness at the anus, making walking 
painful, or a sensation of a plug in the anus (160) which is so 
painful that it is almost impossible to sit down. 

While no mention is made in the provings of the action of 
Kali bich. on the kidneys, it will be well for us to remember that 
all the potashes cause degenerative changes in the structure of 



KALI BICHROMICUM. 533 

the kidneys and if we are giving this remedy low, it should not 
be continued for too long a time. 

In subacute or chronic inflammation of the urethra, calling 
for Kali bich., there is a sensation as if a drop of urine re- 
mained behind after urinating and could not be expelled. This 
sensation continues for a long time and not only worries the 
patient, but it is associated with burning (194) either far back 
in the urethra or in the fossa navicularis. In gonorrhoea or gleet 
(83) we would have in addition, the ropy, tenacious discharge. 

It is a very valuable remedy for venereal ulcers and especially 
for true chancre, with the characteristic appearance and the 
cheesy, tenacious exudation. 

In the female, Kali bich. is useful for yellow, tenacious (126), 
ropy leucorrhcea, associated with weakness in the small of the 
back, for membranous dysmenorrhea (138), for prolapsus of the 
uterus (203), especially when it is worse during hot weather, and 
for "subinvolution of the uterus" (Minton). It is to be thought 
of for pruritus of the vagina (156), with great itching and burning 
and sexual excitement. 

The pulse in Kali bich. is soft, sometimes very weak, even 
fluttering, and we may "have a cold sensation about the heart " 
(Allen, Trans. Am. Inst. Horn., '83) (109). 

The rheumatic pains are mostly shifting (149), deep-seated 
and rarely associated with any inflammatory process. There is 
a general aggravation from cold. It is useful for rheumatism 
of the large as well as of the small joints (161), with shifting 
pains, for rheumatic pains and stiffness of the fingers, and for 
soreness of the heels (71) when walking. In chronic rheumatic 
conditions the pains are apt to appear and to leave suddenly 
(148) and wander from place to place. It is a remedy to be 
thought of for rheumatism that recurs every spring, and Lippe 
says "the rheumatic and gastric affections alternate" (163) or 
"the gastric symptoms supercede the rheumatic symptoms." 
It is useful for gonorrheal rheumatism (Farrington) (161), for 
syphilitic pains in the limbs and for syphilitic periostitis. 

It is of value for neuralgia of the coccyx (34), aggravated by 
sitting, and for sciatica, mostly of the 1. side, with relief from 



534 MATERIA MEDICA. 

motion (164) and bending the leg (163), as in kneeling on a 
chair, and worse from standing, sitting (164), lying or pressure 
(164). 

Kali bich. is indicated in a variety of skin lesions, with papules, 
pustules, tubercles and ulcers, and especially when associated 
with rheumatic or catarrhal conditions. It is of value in acne 
(14) due to indigestion (15) and for lupus (128) with burning 
pain, but especially for lupus of the sluggish, painless type. 

Keep in mind this differentiation: In Kali bich. the ulcers are 
circumscribed with tendency to penetrate deeply, while in Merc. 
the ulcers are irregular in outline with tendency to spread super- 
ficially. 

I use Kali bich. 3d. 

KALI BROMATUM. 

Potassium Bromide, KBr. 

First proved by Drs. Hoering and Hermerdinger, of Germany, 
in 1838. 

Kali brom., like other potash salts, weakens the heart and 
lowers the temperature. The chief interest, however, lies in the 
"Bromism" caused by it and produced by the bromides generally, 
the seat of which is in the spinal cord or the nerves leading to the 
brain cells. 

In bromism we find intellectual weakness, with general failure 
of mental power, especially loss of memory and of words, and 
melancholia, anaesthesia of the skin and mucous membranes, 
especially of the eyes and throat, acne, loss of sexual desire and 
power, imbecility, idiocy. 

Bartholow gives the following as "the symptoms of bromism, 
as observed in an epileptic boy, to whom two drams of the 
bromide of potassium had been administered daily for a month; 
extreme pallor and aneemia, dilated pupils, acne on face, fore- 
head and shoulders; a fetid, bromine breath; slow and feeble 
action of the heart; breathlessness and quickened pulse on slight 
exertion; cold hands and feet; a general subjective sense of cold- 
ness; . . . diminution of the tactile sensibility of both cutane- 



KALI BROMATUM. 535 

ous and mucous surfaces, fauces dry, . . . antaphrodisia and 
complete relaxation of the genitals; mind weak, manifested in 
silly conduct and unmeaning laughter." 

This is the picture, differing only in degree, of the effect of 
the bromides, and while you may some day feel obliged to give it 
in its physiological dosage, I doubt if you will ever be willing to 
take it yourself or to administer it to anyone that you are fond 
of until you have exhausted all other means of relief. 

Allen tells us that "it is doubtful whether the drug really 
cures true epilepsy; it certainly suppresses the convulsions for a 
time, in many cases, but it does not seem to remove the consti- 
tutional tendency to their recurrence; nearly all cases of epilepsy 
are obliged to continue taking the drug, often in increasing doses, 
in order to obtain its palliative effects" (66). 

Dr. Jos. T. O'Connor, after speaking of the difficulty of curing 
epilepsy, says: " Homoeopathic treatment applied according to 
the method of strict individualization will show a far greater per- 
centage of cures than will the bromide or opium treatment, or 
combination of both, or any other drug or aggregation of drugs." 

Kali brom. is useful in cerebral anaemia (90), with cold ex- 
tremities, drowsiness or complete coma and dilated pupils; in 
brain-fag (93), with a numb feeling in the head (91) or a feel- 
ing as if he would lose his reason; and in loss of memory (133), a 
kind of aphasia where words and syllables are forgotten and 
omitted (18). 

It is to be thought of in melancholia, with irritability and 
weeping, and in religious melancholia (131), with delusions, one 
of which may be, that he is singled out for Divine vengeance. 

Remember it in night-terrors of children (81), with scream- 
ing in sleep and trembling and unconsciousness of what is going 
on about them. It may be indicated in acute mania, with fear 
of being pursued (53), or of being poisoned (53), or with hallu- 
cinations of sight or sound; also in suicidal mama (183). 

Kali brom. produces anaesthesia of the throat and one old- 
school author (quoted by Bartholow) says that "passing a spoon 
as far back as the epiglottis, without causing attempts at vomit- 
ing, is an indication of the successful action of the remedy." 



536 MATERIA MEDICA. 

We can think of it in anaesthesia of the throat, when due to 
the use of alcohol. Hering speaks of a difficulty in swallowing 
liquids that calls for this remedy, as follows: "Children, from 
time of birth, can swallow solids with ease, yet choke every time 
they try to drink," but as a usual thing, movements of degluti- 
tion are intact even with the anaesthesia. 

Kali brom. has been used in diabetes (56), with impaired 
memory, dryness of the mouth and skin, paleness and emacia- 
tion. 

It is of value for the after effects of excessive sexual indul- 
gence (167) or self-abuse (168), especially with impaired mem- 
ory and melancholia, or with impaired co-ordination, numbness 
and tingling in the limbs. 

It is of value for cystic tumors of the ovary (147) or broad 
ligament, and for neuralgia of the ovaries (147), with great 
nervous uneasiness. 

In pruritus of the vagina (156) Kali brom. is to be thought of 
when the intense irritation causes great sexual desire, even an 
actual nymphomania (146). 

" Among the effects of this salt are diminished cutaneous sensi- 
bility and papulo-pustular lesions, known as 'bromic acne'" 
(Dearborn), and it is of value for acne (14) at time of puberty, 
or as the result of masturbation, or, according to Deschere, "acne 
where the patient's health otherwise is excellent." 

I use Kali brom,. 3d. 

KALI CARBONICUM. 

Potassium Carbonate, K2CO3. 

First proved by Hahnemann, who speaks of its use in the 30th. 

The most characteristic symptoms of Kali carb. are, the aggra- 
vation from cold air, the general time of aggravation for the 
various conditions, from 3-4 a. m., and the character of the pains, 
which are spoken of as sharp, sticking, or as stitches. While it 
is probable that our patients will not stop to differentiate between 
sticking and stitches in describing their sensations, the word 
stitches corresponds to my understanding of the pains of this 



KALI CARBONICUM. 537 

remedy more closely than does the other; but, with this proviso, 
we will use them as synonymous or interchangeable when speak- 
ing of this drug. 

Kali carb. is, in general, indicated in conditions of weakness, 
soft pulse and mental indifference, but with no increase of tem- 
perature, and is to be thought of prominently in those cases 
where a chronic catarrhal condition is engrafted upon a con- 
sumptive tendency. 

The patients are anaemic (15), with great sensitiveness to cold 
air (5) and dread of drafts, with relief from getting warm 
(10) or in the warm air, with a tendency to cough and to sharp 
chest pains and usually with aggravation while at rest and relief 
while moving about (10). 

The skin is dry and there is a lack of perspiration (186); the 
hair is dry and falls out on the temples and it has cured dandruff 
(53) especially when the anterior portion of the scalp is affected. 

A symptom calling for Kali carb., irrespective of what the dis- 
eased condition may be, is a puffiness or swelling, a bag-like 
swelling of the upper lid or between the eye-brow and lid. This 
swelling, which is spoken of as a marked characteristic of the 
remedy, will often lead us to prescribe it even if we do not know, 
at the time, that the rest of the symptoms correspond. 

Among the eye conditions Kali carb. is to be thought of in 
muscular asthenopia (72) after various diseases, especially when 
associated with this swelling of the upper lid. 

In the ear it is useful for chronic inflammation of the middle 
ear and more or less suppuration, with sticking pains from within 
outward, and especially backward, with involvement of the 
Eustachian tube (65) and with roaring in the ears (65), and 
usually associated with catarrhal conditions of the nose and 
throat. 

The nose is red externally (145) and dry internally (143), 
with obstruction from fetid mucus, the wings sore and crusty 
(143). We also have nosebleed recurring in the morning (9 a. m.) 
(142), or on washing the face (142). 

In the toothache calling for Kali carb. the pains are sticking, 
tearing, extending into the head, with aggravation when eating 
(187). 



538 MATERIA MEDICA. 

The gastric symptoms, too frequently overlooked, point 
prominently to a condition of atonic dyspepsia (178). There is 
distention of the stomach and abdomen after eating (177), even 
if they have eaten only a little, with sour (178), acid or burning 
eructations and heartburn (179); " everything she eats or drinks 
seems to be converted into gas" (Hering) (177), and accompanied 
by a weak, sinking sensation in the stomach (179) ; or we have a 
sensation of a lump or load in the stomach (179) after eating. 
Frequently there is a feeling of throbbing or pulsation in the 
stomach (181). With any or all of these conditions there is sore- 
ness and sensitiveness to touch of the epigastric and abdominal 
regions (12). 

It is of value in the dyspepsia of old people or those of deficient 
vitality, with these symptoms, and in gastritis from drinking 
too much ice- water (177), with a sensation as if the stomach were 
full of water. In the gastralgia calling for this remedy, we find 
sharp cutting or sticking pains, worse from eating or from mo- 
tion (178) and after midnight, 3-4 a. m. (176). 

In the abdomen we have these same general symptoms of dis- 
tention, stitches, etc., and it is of value for chronic inflammation 
of the liver, dropsical effusions (11) and even peritonitis, always 
with soreness and sensitiveness to touch, sharp, sticking pains, 
little or no fever, great aggravation from cold air and in the early 
morning. 

The diarrhoea calling for Kali carb. is usually painless and light- 
colored, and it is essentially a chronic condition (58) due to a 
long-lasting dyspepsia or liver trouble, and usually associated 
with the pumness under the eye-brows. 

It is of value for constipation and haemorrhoids (88), stools 
large (35), from inactivity of the rectum, and light-colored, 
with sharp cutting pains during and burning after stool. 

There is frequent urging to urinate, especially at night, but 
there is a loss of power in the bladder (21) and one must wait 
and strain (200) for some time before the urine will start and then 
it flows but slowly. 

While menstruation is usually delayed (136), it may be indi- 
cated when the menses are too early and too profuse (135). It 



KALI CARBONICUM. 539 

is of value in suppression of the menses (135), with dyspeptic 
symptoms, pains in the stomach and bloating of the abdomen, 
swelling of the upper lids and general sensitiveness to cold; also 
for violent colicky pains in the abdomen before the menses, or 
for dysmenorrhea in women who menstruate freely. 

It is a remedy to be thought of in threatened abortion (13), 
with backache, a feeling as if the back were broken; in puerperal 
metritis (155); and in suppression of the lochia (153), with the 
sharp cutting pains and little or no fever. 

Hering says that Kali carb. is "adapted to fleshy, aged people," 
but if you catch them young, the patient is tall and thin, with 
deficient vitality and more or less ansemia (15). She has a dread 
of open air (5) and of cold weather and is constantly catching 
cold (5) from the least exposure or seemingly from no cause 
at all. She will have another cold and cannot account for it 
and will have a cough, with stitches in the chest during or at the 
end of the cough. Hahnemann says, "readiness to take cold; 
lack of perspiration and inability to perspire" (Chr. Dis.) (186). 

There are numerous remedies to be thought of where one catches 
cold readily, but other things being equal, I look upon Kali carb. 
as the one most frequently indicated, as a prophylactic, so to 
speak, or to get the system in such condition that one will not 
catch cold without there is good and sufficient reason for it. 

I know that it is the custom to make light of a cold, but while 
our patients can recall the inconvenience connected with one, 
if they were made to realize the evil that results from many a 
neglected cold, they would be inclined to consider it more seri- 
ously and take greater precautions against exposing themselves. 

Physicians appreciate this and there are many who dread to 
have a patient ask them to prescribe for a cough, as they feel that 
it is a difficult matter to cure. The reason, as it seems to me, for 
the dislike shown by doctors for these cases is, that because of 
our anxiety to cure our patients we get discouraged if they do 
not get well immediately; while we know to the contrary, we 
have let our patients impress their ideas upon us and we feel that 
we have missed our vocation if we cannot cure promptly such a 
simple thing as a cold. 



540 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Let us remember that the earlier a fresh cold is treated, the 
quicker it will be cured; and if seen in time, one remedy will 
often be all that is needed. Let us also remember that the stronger 
the hold the cold has obtained, the longer the time that will be 
needed to effect the cure. 

If patients will do their part of attending to every illness, 
including a cold, at the beginning, it will be an easy matter for 
us to do our part of curing them quickly; but do not fail to im- 
press upon them the fact that a case of long standing will take a 
correspondingly long time to effect a cure, and that every addi- 
tional cold will put the case back just so much; this is particu- 
larly true as regards catarrhal conditions. 

Kali carb. is a prominent catarrhal remedy. 

We have catarrhal stricture of the oesophagus (147), with a 
sensation of a lump which cannot be swallowed or a sensation of 
a stick or sticking pains extending the whole length of the 
oesophagus on attempting to swallow. 

We notice these sticking pains in the pharynx also and there 
is frequent call for the remedy in chronic atrophic catarrh of 
the pharynx (149), worse from cold air (189) or on becoming cold, 
with sticking on swallowing as if a fish-bone had lodged there 
(190). 

The expectoration under Kali carb. partakes, to a degree, of 
the stringy character of that found under Kali bich., but it is less 
tenacious and much less profuse. There is frequent hawking or 
a constant need to clear the throat, but the mucus seems to be 
neither completely loosened nor raised. The mucus is difficult 
to raise, as it remains adherent to the pharynx or trachea, or 
when loosened after much effort it is apt to slip back again before 
it can be expectorated (70). 

The cough is regularly worse in the early morning hours, 3-4 
a. m. (40), and this time of aggravation is characteristic of all 
Kali carb. conditions. We have cough with sharp sticking pains 
in the chest (49), or as often noticed, the cough ends with a 
stitch in the chest. Along with the cough there is sensitiveness 
to cold air (5), and while the patients are worse during the 
winter months, there is no especial aggravation during wet 
weather. 



KALI CARBONICUM. 541 

It will be of help in differentiating between two remedies if 
you remember this quotation from Allen's Handbook: "Kali 
carb. is almost as frequently indicated/' in chest conditions, "as 
Cole, c, though the Kali patient is worse from cold, while the 
Calc. patient is worse from dampness; the chronic troubles re- 
quiring Kali should be sent to a warm climate, though moist; 
those requiring Calc. should be sent to a dry climate, though 
cold." 

The Kali carb. patient emaciates rapidly, with great loss of 
strength and weak pulse; he is short-breathed, has the gastric 
symptoms of the remedy and perhaps the swelling under the 
eye-brows. 

It is useful in chronic catarrhal conditions, in chronic inter- 
stitial pneumonia, in chronic pleurisy with the sharp chest pains, 
.and in chronic inflammation of the upper part of the lungs, tend- 
ing towards tuberculosis. Hahnemann says: " Patients suffering 
from ulceration of the lungs rarely get well without this anti- 
psoric" (Chr. Dis.). 

It is frequently indicated in asthma (19), especially when 
constitutional and hereditary, the patient waking at 3-4 a. m. ; 
with dyspnoea, wheezing and sharp pains in the chest on breath- 
ing. They are markedly worse from sudden cold changes in the 
weather (21). 

Kali carb. has a lumbago, with sharp, sticking, lancinating 
pains that extend up and down the back and down the back of 
the thighs (128). These pains are worse in the early morning 
hours, about 3 a. m., and from cold changes in the weather; the 
pains make the patient very uneasy and they cannot remain in 
bed and on walking there is great weakness and a sensation as 
if the back would break. 

With this form of backache, the pains beginning in the small 
of the back and running down along the buttocks and back of 
the thighs, " aggravation when walking, they are obliged to sit 
down" (Lilienthal), it may prove useful in threatened abortion 
(13), especially of the earlier months. 

It is of value in sciatica, muscular rheumatism of various parts 
of the body and in hip diseases (117) of scrofulous children, with 



542 MATERIA MEDICA. 

the general characteristic of sharp, lancinating pains, aggravation 
from cold air and cold changes in the weather (5) and at 3 

A. M. 

Dearborn, in speaking of the skin symptoms of this remedy, 
says: " Chronic eczema of the squamous or papula type, wher- 
ever located, occurring in the ansemic, attended with sticking, 
burning or itching sensations, which are worse in the open air, 
is nearly always benefited by Kali carb." 

In erysipelas (68) the sac-like swellings under the eye-brows 
would be an additional and characteristic indication for the 
remedy. 

Why, with its prominent symptoms, Kali carb. should not be a 
better known and more frequently used remedy, I never could 
understand. Farrington says: "It is a drug much neglected in 
practice, for much the same reason that many other remedies 
are, because the hurried and careless physician falls into routin- 
ism." 

I use Kali carb. 3d. 

KALI CHLORICUM. 

Potassium Chlorate, KCIO3. 

Kali chlor., which was first proved under the direction of 
Dr. E. Martin, of Germany, is the most poisonous of all the 
salts of potash; it depresses and paralyzes the heart and lowers 
the temperature very rapidly. It at first causes diuresis, followed 
by suppression of urine and violent nephritis, with hematuria. 

It is important that we keep in mind the physiological action 
of the drug so that we may speak intelligently when we warn our 
patients against its almost universal use, either in the form of 
lozenge or solution, in all forms of hoarseness and sore throat. 
It not only aggravates the throat sensations, notably the dry- 
ness, but it is also harmful to the system in general. 

Allen, in speaking of the indiscriminate use of the salts of 
potash, says: "Many fatal results are, I believe, directly trace- 
able to their careless use. I am in the habit of emphatically 
prohibiting the use of chlorate of potash as a gargle in any case. 



KALI IODATUM. 543 

It is difficult to substantiate this statement, but I firmly believe 
that I have found albuminuria, in children, simply due to a 
gargle of chlorate of potash" (Trans. A. I. Horn., '94). 

It is a violent irritant to the whole gastro-intestinal mucous 
membrane, producing gangrenous ulceration of the mouth and 
throat, ulceration of the stomach and bowels, and terrible dys- 
entery, with profound prostration. 

Kali chlor. is valuable for aphthous stomatitis (140) and for 
nursing sore mouth of mothers or infants but its greatest laurels 
have been won in the treatment of gangrene of the mouth in 
children (141) or cancrum oris. 

While this disease is seldom seen, it "is exceedingly fatal, nine- 
teen out of twenty die" (Loomis Pract. Med.). 

Allen says, "no other known drug will cure this terrible dis- 
ease" (Trans. A. I. Horn., '94), the especial indications for it 
being the extreme fetor, albuminuria and hematuria. Kali 
chlor. is of value in dysentery, frequent and very small stools of 
almost clear blood, with violent cutting pains, as from knives, 
and severe tenesmus (61) and great prostration (58). 

I use Kali chlor. 3d. 

KALI IODATUM. 

Potassium Iodide, KI. 

While Kali iod. was introduced into our Materia Medica by 
Hartlaub and Trinks of Germany, most of our symptoms, as found 
in Allen's Encyclop., are clinical, or made on the sick with large 
doses of the crude drug. Allen, in a foot-note, tells us that such 
symptoms "have been selected with care, and only when clearly 
the effect of the drug." 

If we had a more thorough proving, it would, in all probability, 
have cleared up many an uncertainty concerning its use, as well 
as have allowed us to prescribe it more frequently than we do 
on its homoeopathic indications. 

Allen, here, and Hughes, of England, differ as to this remedy 
in some important particulars ; some of their reasons we will add. 

Allen, in the Handbook, says: "The action of Kali iod. differs 



544 MATERIA MEDICA. 

from that of Iod. as shown by the depressing action of Potassium 
and by the less tendency to febrile excitement. In the respira- 
tory tract we find catarrhal inflammation, with freer secretions 
and less fever. The increased salivation and increased amount 
of urine followed by nephritis are similar to Iod." 

Hughes, in his Pharmacodynamics, says: "I am quite unable 
to see any difference in kind between the physiological effects of 
Iodine and Potassium iodide; although the presence of the alkali 
modifies these as regards force and frequency of appearance, 
and makes a considerable difference in practical use." 

Hughes also tells us why he believes that "when iodide of 
potassium reaches the tissues it is decomposed, and free Iodine 
liberated. The presence of protoplasm and of carbonic acid is all 
that is necessary to effect this change." Also "that only a small 
proportion of the Iodine undergoes this decomposition, the greater 
part escaping unchanged by the urine, and, therefore, unless it 
has destructive work to do, being literally wasted. Thus the 
ultimate effect of giving iodide of potassium is to supply free 
Iodine to act on the living matter of the body; and we may speak' 7 
of its effect "as belonging to the action of Iodine." He also con- 
siders that in the use of iodide of potash in syphilis "it is as Iodine 
that it cures" and that the simple tincture or potency of Iodine 
does all that can be done by iodide of potash. 

Allen tells us that "the use of the drug (iodide of potash) in 
massive doses for symptoms of secondary syphilis, such as caries 
of the bones, syphilitic inflammations of the eyes, etc., etc., should 
not be included under the proper homoeopathic applications of 
the drug (though Iodine is certainly homoeopathic to some stages- 
of syphilis)." 

Hughes, whose lecture on Iodine it will repay you to read in 
full, gives the following explanation for the use of "largely 
increased dosage in the tertiary gummatous deposits on bones 
and in viscera." 

He says that Dr. Madden, in the British Journal of Homoeo- 
pathy, "points out that these affections are of the nature of 
organized new growths, which are, therefore, quasi-parasitical 
to the body, and require parasiticides to destroy them. The 



KALI IODATUM. 545 

strong antiseptic power of Iodine suggests, he thinks, that it may 
have such an action; or, as it seems to me" (Hughes) "more 
probable, it deals with these foreign deposits as it deals with 
the lead or mercury it is so successful in eliminating from the 
system. Either way, it must be given for such purpose in full 
doses, and the indications for its use must not be looked for in its 
pathogenesis." 

(The following is quoted more or less from Ringer, who says, 
that iodide of potash dissolves mercury or lead that has been de- 
posited from the blood in an insoluble form in the animal struc- 
tures. If but little, physiologically speaking, of either metal has 
been taken, the iodide of potash, by quickly separating the metals 
from the system, would remove them by means of the urine and 
thus free the system from their pernicious effects. 

On the other hand, if large amounts of either metal had been 
taken, the iodide of potash, by re-dissolving them, could, by bring- 
ing them again into circulation, re-subject the system to their 
influence and so do great harm.) 

Kali iod. produces salivation and it is useful in the salivation 
of pregnancy (155) when unaccompanied by nausea; it produces 
free expectoration, which we will speak of later, rapid emaciation, 
with much prostration and glandular atrophy. 

It is a useful and, I feel, greatly neglected remedy, as far as 
its homoeopathic indications are concerned, and while frequently 
indicated, it is almost as frequently overlooked. 

It is very valuable for headache, with lancinating and pulsat- 
ing pain, due to acute (95) or chronic rhinitis (96). The dis- 
charge from the nose is suppressed and there is severe pain at the 
root of the nose (104), in the frontal (39) or ethmoidal sinuses. 

It is often called for in acute coryzas (37), with absence of 
fever, with sneezing, tingling and irritation in the nose, acrid dis- 
charge (37) that runs in a stream and profuse lachrymation. 
It is to be thought of in hay-fever (88) with these symptoms 
and probably rawness and soreness in the larynx, but especially 
with distress in the frontal sinuses. 

It has been used in dysentery, with painful tenesmus (61), 
stools of jelly-like mucus; for atrophy of the testicles (188); and 



546 MATERIA MEDICA. 

for corrosive leucorrhoea (126) that is watery and looks like wash- 
ings of meat. 

The Kali iod. patient is apt to be troubled with short breath 
or dyspnoea on walking up stairs (24). There is also dyspnoea 
at night on waking and it is of frequent use in asthma (19). It 
has a short, more or less dry cough, with, what is considered as 
a characteristic of the remedy, expectoration looking like soap- 
suds (69). 

Kali iod. is of value in hydrothorax (29) and in emphysema 
(66); in chronic pneumonia, with sharp sticking (30) or cutting 
pains, the frothy expectoration and the catarrhal symptoms 
of the nose and throat. It is valuable in pleuritic effusions (150), 
with great dyspnoea and constant hacking cough, and in phthisis, 
with salivation (163) and exhausting night-sweats (185). Allen 
says, "it is difficult to separate the cases requiring Iodine and 
those requiring Kali iod. ,} 

The rheumatism calling for Kali iod. is usually articular and 
more or less chronic, the knee especially apt to be affected (125). 
The rheumatic pains are always worse at night, or especially 
worse towards morning, there is rarely much fever but there is 
great weakness and emaciation. 

It is to be thought of in sciatica that is worse at night (164) 
and the patient is unable to remain in bed (164), and many of the 
pains of this remedy seem to arise during rest (10). It has 
been used to prevent attacks of sciatica, articular rheumatism 
or acute gout. 

I use Kali iod. 3d. 

KALI MURIATICUM. 

Potassium Chloride, KC1. 

Kali mur., while not found in Allen's Encyclop., is spoken of 
clinically in the Handbook. 

You must keep in mind that Kali mur. is the chloride and 
Kali chlor. the chlorate of potash. 

Kali mur. is a remedy to be thought of in the second stage of 
inflammation of any organ or part of the body, with plastic 
exudation (120) and for glandular enlargements (83). 



KALI NITRICUM. 547 

One of the important uses for it is in catarrhal conditions and 
Dr. Henry C. Houghton has demonstrated clinically its value in 
chronic inflammations of the middle ear, associated with naso- 
pharyngeal catarrh (143). There will be obstruction of the 
Eustachian tube (65), with deafness, buzzing, snapping and 
noises in the ear (65). 

Kali mur. is one of Schussler's twelve tissue remedies, and he 
praises it, among other things, for indigestion from rich, fatty 
foods (5) or pastry. 

I use Kali mur. 3d. 

KALI NITRICUM. 

Potassium Nitrate — Saltpetre — Nitre — KNO3. 

Hahnemann contributed to the symptoms of this remedy and 
while it has quite an extensive pathogenesis, but little practical 
application has been made of it. 

Allen says: "Like the chlorate, this salt is a violent irritant to 
the mucous membranes, causing gastro-intestinal inflammation 
and ulceration and catarrh of the bronchi with asthmatic breath- 
ing. In its action on the kidneys and heart it is similar to the 
other salts of Potash." 

Ringer, in speaking of 'potassium and sodium nitrates, says: 
u These salts readily pass from the body through the kidneys 
with the urine, and in their passage may irritate and inflame the 
urinary organs, and in large doses may even produce bloody 
urine." 

Let me warn you against allowing mothers to dose their chil- 
dren with nitre whenever they think the youngsters do not urinate 
freely enough. 

Kali nit. is to be thought of in dysentery, with slimy, bloody 
stools, constant urging (61), debility, small and rapid pulse and 
cold hands. 

Hering speaks of it for " diarrhoea after eating veal." Bell, 
in commenting on this, says: "The curability of such cases with 
Kali nit. needs more confirmation, but no other remedy has had 
this symptom so well confirmed as yet." 
36 



548 MATERIA MEDICA. 

The fumes of nitre are frequently used to avert a paroxysm of 
asthma; we use the remedy in those cases (19) where there is 
great dyspnoea and free expectoration, along with stitches (30) 
or a sensation of burning in the chest (28). 

I use Kali nit. 3d. 

KALI PHOSPHORICUM. 

Potassium Phosphate — K2HPO4. 

This is one of Schiissler's remedies, and most of our knowledge 
concerning it is due to him. It had a partial proving in 1892, 
conducted by Dr. H. C. Allen. 

I picture this remedy as suited to the Kali carb. patient, weak 
mentally and physically, with the sensitiveness to cold air and 
general tendency to catch cold, plus the tall, thin, lax and con- 
stantly tired and nervously exhausted Phos. patient, who fears 
wet as well as cold weather. 

Schiissler says that Kali phos. " corresponds to the hosts of 
conditions known as neurasthenia," and in reference to this, Dr. 
Boericke calls it "one of the greatest nerve remedies." Lilien- 
thal speaks of it as a grand remedy in restoring the vital force to 
its par value (Trans. A. I. Horn., '90). 

Among the special conditions we find: Nervous dread and 
troubles arising from nervous excitement. Brain-fag (93) from 
overwork, with depressed spirits and general irritability. Aggra- 
vation of all pains from cold air (5) and relief of some, notably 
the headache, by eating (92). 

I use Kali phos. 3d. 

KALI SULPHURICUM. 

Potassium Sulphate, K2SO4. 

This is one of Schiissler's remedies and he considers it the 
function remedy of the epidermis and of the epithelium. 

It has not been regularly proved, Allen's Encyclop. giving 
us the effect of large doses, yet he has told us that Dr. Hermann, 
of Paris, has found clinically that " Kali sulph. is almost a specific 
in oxaluria" (Chironian, '99) (148). 



KALMIA LATIFOLIA. 549 

KALMIA LATIFOLIA. 

American or Broad-leaved Laurel — Mountain Laurel. 

It seems that Linnaeus, the Swedish botanist and founder of 
the "Linnean system" in botany, had a pupil named Peter 
Kalm, who was not only a noted botanist and a Swede, but he 
had traveled in this country and wrote a book about it. History 
is silent as to which one of these achievements entitled him to 
everlasting fame, but the fact remains that Linnaeus named this 
plant after his pupil who had brought him a specimen from this 
country, and because it was broad-leaved, he added the name 
latifolia, to distinguish it. 

There are several varieties of Kalmia, but this is the only one 
proved. All are poisonous if eaten, and the U. S. Department 
of Agriculture, in its Bulletin No. 86, " Thirty Poisonous Plants," 
includes Kalmia latifolia, or Kalmia, as we will hereafter call it. 

Kalmia is commonly called laurel, north of Maryland, and ivy, 
poison ivy, or big ivy, south of Maryland. Among the many 
other names given to this shrub is calico-bush, from the color 
of its flowers. 

Kalmia was first proved by Hering, and the fresh leaves are 
used to prepare our tincture. 

It will help us in our study of this remedy if we will remember 
as more or less of a rule, that u Kalmia is l.-sided as regards the 
heart and circulation, and r.-sided in neuralgias" (Deschere). 

Kalmia is a rheumatic remedy, with especial involvement of 
the heart, and it causes tingling and numbness (146) in various 
parts (neuralgic or rheumatic), shifting pains (149), restlessness 
(160) and most marked of all, a slow, weak pulse. 

There is a weakness of the limbs so that it is difficult to go 
up stairs and a bruised feeling (166) all over the body, or a feeling 
as if one had been exposed to a soaking rain. 

We find, also, rheumatoid pains in various parts of the body. 
These pains, which involve the muscles or joints, are shifting and 
finally go to the heart and involve the 1. arm (110) and shoulder, 
and are associated with stiffness and numbness. 

Farrington speaks of Kalmia being useful in rheumatism when 



550 MATERIA MEDICA. 

the pains shift "horn, the joints to the heart/' and it is especially 
to be thought of when the heart becomes involved after the use 
of " external applications to the joints." 

Because, as it seems to me, of the tendency of the rheumatic 
pains to finally shift to the heart, some authors look upon Kalmia 
as one of the remedies where rheumatic pains travel from below 
upward (163). 

With the rheumatic, as well as in the neuralgic pains of Kalmia, 
we have great weakness and numbness of the parts, they feel as 
if paralyzed, and Dunham says, " these paralytic sensations and 
great pain and aching in the limbs seem to be characteristic of the 
drug, for they accompany nearly every group of symptoms." 

In the eyes we have paralysis of the upper lid (78), with a 
feeling of stiffness on trying to raise it, and muscular asthenopia 
(72), with a feeling of stiffness in the muscles of the eyes on 
moving them. 

It is useful in rheumatic iritis (74), with pain on moving 
the eyes, as well as in inflammation of the sclera, the eyeball 
painful on motion. It is of value in retinitis albuminurica (76), 
especially during pregnancy, associated with "much pain in back, 
as if the back would break" (Hering). 

Kalmia is a useful remedy in "r.-sided supraorbital neuralgia'' 
(Deschere) (76), especially when caused by exposure to cold air. 
It is also of value in r.-sided facial neuralgia (80), especially with 
a feeling of numbness (146) and stiffness; generally rheumatic in 
origin, that is, excited by cold. It is to be thought of in facial 
neuralgia, following herpes zoster (114). 

A feeling as if something, "as a stone" (Lilienthal), were being 
pressed under the stomach towards the heart, and associated with 
"eructations and palpitation" (Hering). It is useful in gas- 
tralgia, coming on in sudden paroxysms (176), with aggravation 
from bending double and relief "when sitting up, or when lying 
on the back" (Hering) (174). 

It is of value in croupous nephritis (125) during pregnancy 
and in interstitial nephritis, with backache, or "sensation as if 
it would break from within outward" (Dunham), and with 
palpitation and pain about the heart. 



KALMIA LATIFOLIA. 551 

In the heart we have palpitation and fluttering (109) on ex- 
ertion, or a slow, feeble pulse, or creeping, the artery slowly con- 
tracting and dilating, like the action of an earthworm. 

The question is often asked, how in our pathogenesis we get 
such opposite or contrary symptoms, as in this case, the rapid 
and the extremely slow pulse? In reference to Kalmia, the 
answer would be that the physiological action depends upon the 
amount of the drug taken, for it was found in the provings that 
Kalmia "in small doses accelerates the heart's action, while in 
large doses it moderates it, reducing it almost to a minimum" 
(Dunham) and this slow, feeble, creeping pulse is the more char- 
acteristic of the remedy. 

Allen, in 1892, reported the following case to the N. Y. Horn. 
Mat. Med. Society: "Boy, aet. eight. Impending paralysis of 
the heart, following scarlet fever and diphtheria. Pulse slow, 
irregular and feeble. Oppressed breathing. On twenty-first 
day, from diphtheritic invasion, pulse sank to fifty-five, was 
irregular. Extremities cold. Digitalis 7th, 6th and 3d given 
with only temporary relief. On evening of same day pulse sank 
to forty-five; at 2 a. m. pulse sank to thirty-nine. Fifteen min- 
utes after first dose of Kalmia, pulse reached sixty and continued 
to improve steadily under Kalmia." 

Think of Kalmia in post-diphtheritic paralysis (62), "with 
tendency to involve the heart" (Deschere). It was due to Dr. 
Deschere' s talk to me on this subject, that I now give Kalmia, 
as soon after the disease as possible, to act as a preventive against 
post-diphtheritic paralysis. 

Kalmia is of value in rheumatic affections of the heart (162) 
and Dunham says "in rheumatism that alternates with heart 
troubles" (163). 

In general, we can think of Kalmia in angina pectoris (107), 
organic diseases of the heart, hypertrophy (110) and fatty de- 
generation of the heart (109), in all these conditions, with slow 
pulse, paroxysms of extreme anguish about the heart and dysp- 
noea, with wandering pains about the heart extending down the 
1. arm (110). 

I use Kalmia 6th. 



552 MATERIA MEDICA. 

KREOSOTUM. 

{Kreosotum — Kpeas, kreas, flesh; o-wXep, soler, preserver.) 

Kreosotum is spelled in various ways, the first letter being a 
C or K, and the fourth letter an a or o. We spell it as above. 

It was first proved for us either by Dr. Syrbius, of Germany, 
or by Dr. Wahle, of Italy, and women took part in the latter 
proving. 

Boenninghausen's opinion that this remedy "has not received 
from practitioners the attention which it merits," holds good 
even to-day, and while its use is growing, especially along cer- 
tain lines, I believe that Kreosotum is asked for by the symptoms 
much oftener than it is given by the physician. Even Dunham 
apologizes for the little he has to give concerning it, by saying 
that it "has been but little used in practice, and few of its symp- 
toms have been verified by clinical experience." 

The old school, who recently took up the use of Kreosote inter- 
nally, have dropped it as an antiseptic about as quickly as they 
did the antiseptic treatment of typhoid. To say that they no 
longer think well of it is not, strictly speaking, correct, for the 
many who depend upon the literature of the manufacturing 
pharmacists for their knowledge concerning therapeutic advance- 
ment, still prescribe it; the following, however, on the medical 
treatment of phthisis, hardly sounds like a eulogy on its use. 
Loomis-Thompson, 1897, say: "The good effects of Kreosote de- 
pend very much upon the amount the patient is able to take. 
. . . Patients who are tolerant of large doses do better, and 10, 
15 or 20 minims, or even half a drachm, three times a day may 
be taken. . . . Kreosote has no direct action on the tubercle ba- 
cilli, but under its use, in some cases, the cough lessens, the ex- 
pectoration diminishes, the sweats disappear, and the general 
nutrition improves." 

The above quotation is not wholly reassuring, but the next 
sentence knocks every prop from under it when it says: "It," 
Kreosote, "constitutes the least unsatisfactory drug in the treat- 
ment of the disease." 

If they have not abandoned the use of Kreosote in phthisis, it 



KREOSOTUM. 553 

is because they have nothing new to offer, for we must not forget 
their slogan, the Regulars have nothing to learn from Homoeop- 
athy. 

We use Kreosotum made from beechwood tar and our strongest 
preparation correspond to the 1st centesimal. 

Kreosotum is an irritant poison, disorganizing the blood and 
producing an irritating effect on the mucous membranes and 
the skin; and besides the latter, we find that it affects the respi- 
ratory and gastro-intestinal tracts and the female genito-urinary 
organs in particular. 

There is a general tendency to haemorrhage of dark blood, 
and to decomposition of all fluids and secretions, so that fetid 
discharges and secretions stand out prominently as characteris- 
tics of the remedy. 

Another characteristic is in reference to the pains, which are 
described as burning and likened to a burning from red-hot 
coals. 

Kreosotum has been used for blenorrhcea of the conjunctiva, 
with profuse discharge and smarting in the eyes, and for chronic 
blepharitis, with swelling (79) and with acrid, scalding lachry- 
mation, especially in the morning and from "a bright light" 
(Hering). 

On the face and about the ears we have moist, offensive 
eczemas with intense itching at night, and it has been used with 
success, for lupus (128) of the face and nose, with burning pain. 

Kreosotum is a valuable remedy for difficult dentition (187) 
with dark, infiltrated gums. The child is very restless and of 
course cries, as it is justified in doing, Dr. H. N. Guernsey saying, 
"the sufferings are usually aggravated from 6 p. m. to 6 a. m." 
(31). The teeth, when they do appear, show dark specks on the 
surface, soon grow black (186) and crumbly (186) and begin to 
decay (186). Along with this condition the gums are spongy 
and bleed easily (84). 

There is no questioning the action of this remedy on children's 
teeth that grow black, decay quickly and break off. It has 
startled, as well as converted, more than one dentist whose first 
experience with homoeopathy has been to watch the administra- 



554 MATERIA MEDICA. 

tion of Kreosotum on teeth in this condition. It is also of value 
for toothache caused by a decayed tooth (187). 

In diphtheria, Kreosotum is a valuable remedy and a leading 
indication for its use would be the very foul odor. Allen, to em- 
phasize it perhaps, speaks of it as "a most putrid odor from the 
mouth" (62). 

Attacks of nausea and vomiting, either of water or of food, 
often accompany the symptoms calling for Kreosotum. Hughes 
considers it " specific in sympathetic vomiting, or where the 
irritation starts from some other organ than the stomach" and 
he cites, as illustrative of its efficacy, "vomiting of phthisis, of 
hepatic and uterine cancer and of chronic kidney disease." It 
is also to be thought of in the vomiting of pregnancy (153). 

There are two especial times for the vomiting of infants or 
adults when calling for this remedy; first, where the food is neither 
retained nor digested, and second, or what is looked upon as 
more characteristic of the remedy, where there is vomiting of 
undigested food several hours after the meal. 

The diarrhoea of Kreosotum is, as might be expected, very 
offensive and cadaverous-smelling (59), with dark brown, un- 
digested stools (60), and accompanied by nausea and perhaps 
vomiting. It is of value for cholera infantum, with the above 
stool and great restlessness, and especially when the condition 
of the teeth calls for the remedy. 

During the latter part of typhoid, the remedy would be of 
value with the fetid and bloody stools (193) associated with great 
prostration (58). 

Micturition is always the result of a "hurry call," with a large 
amount voided each time. It is indicated in nocturnal enuresis 
(198) where the patient thinks he is urinating in a proper manner 
and before the proper receptacle, and wakes to find it all a dream. 

On the female sexual organs Kreosotum is a frequently indi- 
cated, and too often a neglected, remedy, and many a cure might 
be made or relief obtained if we would only give it when the 
symptoms ask for it. 

Menstruation is too early and too profuse (135), often of dark 
(136) and offensive blood (137) and the flow is followed by (136) 



KREOSOTUM. 555 

an acrid (126), putrid leucorrhcea (126). A symptom of Kreo- 
sotum, as given by Mint on, is that "all uterine pains and com- 
plaints are greatly aggravated after menstruation." 

Sometimes the menstrual discharge reappears after it has 
stopped entirely (136), or it gradually changes into an ichorous, 
excoriating leucorrhoea. It has removed sterility that was due 
to an acrid leucorrhoea. 

In a woman who was proving Kreosotum 6th, and who had 
never had leucorrhcea, we read that this symptom developed: 
"The discharge from the vagina frequently looks white and then 
has the odor of green corn." The peculiarity of this symptom 
is that no one ever forgets it and no one has ever met with it 
outside the covers of the Materia Medica. 

Kreosotum is to be thought of for pruritus of the vulva (156), 
with burning and an offensive moisture, and it is of value after 
parturition, for offensive lochia (153). 

It is a valuable remedy for a variety of diseases of the female 
generative organs, characterized in a general way by inflamma- 
tions, with ulcerations, offensive excoriating discharges and 
burning pains. We have ulceration of the cervix and so-called 
cauliflower excrescenses of the uterus (202), with terrible burning 
pains and profuse, excoriating discharges. It has been found of 
value (certainly as a palliative) in scirrhus of the uterus (202) 
and epithelioma of the pudenda, with the characteristic burning 
pains as from red-hot coals, and offensive discharge. 

In the chest the burning pains, as from red-hot coals (28) 
and the offensive expectoration (69) are the leading indications 
for the remedy, and it is of value in interstitial pneumonia, 
phthisis and gangrene of the lungs (29). 

Kreosotum is of value for pruritus (156) and urticaria after men- 
struation (139), with itching and burning. 

Remember Kreosotum in foul-smelling ulcers, with tendency to 
gangrenous degeneration, and in senile gangrene (82), with 
horrible odor and terrible burning pain. 

Carbo veg. is said to be incompatible with Kreosotum. 

I use Kreosotum 30th. 



556 MATERIA MEDICA. 

LACHESIS MUTUS. 

The venom of the various poisonous snakes is obtained by 
pressing on the poison glands, the snake being pinioned or under 
chloroform at the time, and as the venom drops from the fangs, 
it is received on pulverized sugar of milk, with which it is tritu- 
rated up to the 3d in the proportion of one to ninety-nine. Above 
this trituration it can be converted into a liquid potency by the 
customary method, as alcohol seems to have no bad effect on the 
venom above the 3d. 

The bite of a venomous snake, where the fangs do not first 
meet with an obstacle, legging, clothing, etc., usually means death; 
and we use the snake poisons as medicines in many cases that, 
except for their intervention, would result in death. 

Of the many antidotes that have been recommended for the 
bite, I know of none that are reliable; and of the many tried, 
alcohol is the best known and the oftenest used. While it fre- 
quently fails, it will be well to remember if we are ever called upon 
to use it, that the supply must be large and the amount admin- 
istered unlimited, for, to effect a cure, the patient must be gotten 
thoroughly under the influence of it, "dead drunk," in technical 
terms, and it takes a much larger quantity of alcohol to produce 
its physiological effects in a person who has been bitten by a 
poisonous snake than it would if he was in his normal condition. 

Hughes considers the various phenomena of snake-bites accord- 
ing to their severity, and says that they "fall into three groups 
corresponding to three leading forms of disease." 

It will well repay you to read the article in full as found in 
Hughes Pharmacodynamics, as we can simply give his summing 
up here: 

"1. In the first group the symptoms are those of direct poison- 
ing of the nerve centres, without local inflammation or blood 
changes. The great shock of the poison is first felt in the centres of 
the cord, gradually involving those of the medulla oblongata, and 
lastly implicating the functional integrity of the brain; the sym- 
pathetic system (at any rate in its cardiac portion) being the 
last to suffer. The main effects are seen in the parts supplied 



LACHESIS MUTUS. 557 

from the nerves arising at the base of the brain, especially the 
pneumogastric. 

"2. The second form of serpent poisoning which seems to ob- 
tain is the purpuric or Iruzmorrliagic" which we will see exempli- 
fied many times as we study the symptoms of the various snake 
poisons. 

"3. In the third place, we have those symptoms which result 
from the local affection induced by the bite," often of a malignant 
character, and, as Allen says, "the action of all the serpent- 
venoms is directly on the blood, destroying its vitality and induc- 
ing a great variety of diseases characterized by disintegration of 
tissue." 

Lachesis is the best known and has been more carefully proved 
than any of the other serpent-venoms. Hering collected the 
virus in Brazil, in 1828. 

The first records of cases in which the remedy was tried were 
published in 1835 and in 1837 it was introduced into our Materia 
Medica. 

Lachesis is especially suitable for people of dark complexion 
(88) and bilious temperament, to ailments associated with the 
menopause and, as Hering says, it is "better adapted to thin and 
emaciated than to fat persons." 

It is a l.-sided remedy (125), or the troubles calling for it start 
on the 1. side, especially in the upper portion of the body. 

There are two other prominent symptoms to keep in mind; 
one, the extreme sensitiveness of the affected part to touch 
(166), especially to light pressure, which sensitiveness is out of 
proportion to the severity of the disease; the other, the almost 
universal distress which comes on during sleep and wakens the 
patient in agony and fright. 

We must remember that this latter condition is not the simple 
waking in fright (81) from dreams, or with a start, for it differs 
from this, inasmuch as whatever pain or trouble the patient has 
it increases during sleep and they wake, or rather the aggravation 
wakens them, with their troubles increased. So pronounced is 
this condition, that the patient may tell you that she is afraid 
to go to sleep, as she wakens feeling so much worse. "They 



558 MATERIA MEDICA. 

sleep into an aggravation" (Farrington). While the symptom 
often reads, worse on waking, it means under Lachesis, "trouble 
that is brought on by going to sleep at any time, day or night" 
(H. N. Guernsey). 

There is in Lachesis extreme prostration (155) and tendency 
to disorganization of the blood, the blood being dark-colored and 
does not coagulate. 

It is especially suitable for persons of a phlegmatic tempera- 
ment, with a disposition to melancholia and indolence, and is 
useful in melancholia and religious melancholia (131), particu- 
larly in women at the climacteric, with attacks of sadness and 
anxiety on waking. 

In the delirium from alcohol (54), and there is great aggrava- 
tion in Lachesis from alcoholic drinks (5), and in the delirium 
during or following fevers, loquacity is usually a prominent 
feature (55). This loquacity differs from that of some other 
remedies, inasmuch as they do not confine themselves to one 
thought, as they do in Stramonium, for instance, but with the 
increased mental activity, there is a lack of mental continuity 
and they constantly change from one subject to another, without 
waiting or caring for your answer. Again, with the prostration 
of the remedy we may have a muttering delirium (55). 

In the delirium we may have fear that they are in a strange 
place, with attempts to get out of bed (53) so as to go home, 
or fear that there are robbers in the house, with desire to escape 
from them. Talcott tells us (neither symptom is in the Hand- 
book) that the Lachesis patient may "think himself under super- 
human control (54), or he thinks that he is dead and that pre- 
parations are being made for a gaudy funeral." 

A symptom spoken of by Guernsey in reference to a prominent 
aggravation under Lachesis, is concerning convulsions, where the 
"patient has none while awake, but as soon as he is asleep they 
appear (36)." 

Amongst other things, Lachesis is a drunkard's remedy. In 
addition to delirium tremens, of which we have already spoken, 
it is useful in sunstroke (98) and threatening apoplexy (18) in 
those who are in the habit of using alcoholic stimulants, when 
we find dark red face and cold extremities. 



LACHESIS MUTUS. 559 

Lachesis is useful in meningitis (133) and in neuralgic head- 
aches, the pain starting in the vertex and spreading over the 
head. The headaches are usually neuralgic, are worse in the 
morning on waking (95) and are accompanied by extreme 
sensitiveness of the affected part to touch. The pains are severe, 
usually worse on the 1. side, and better from warm applications 
(92). 

We may have neuralgic headaches where the pains seem to 
concentrate at the root of the nose (104), or the pain extends 
to the eyes and face, or even to the shoulders. 

A frequent form of neuralgic headache is where the pain is 
located in the occiput (100) and due to cold, or draft of air blow- 
ing on the back of the head. The pain is worse, or at least is first 
noticed, on waking in the morning, with soreness of the occiput 
to touch; even the pressure of the pillow is distressing. The 
pain is less, or wears away during the forenoon, only to return 
on succeeding mornings if you do not give Lachesis. 

In the eye we have dimness of vision, with black specks flick- 
ering before the eyes (77) and it is a remedy useful in muscular 
asthenopia (72) after diphtheria. Whenever there is photo- 
phobia, it is worse in the morning after sleeping (76). 

It is a remedy to be thought of in neuralgia of the orbit, worse 
L, and the eye feels as if it had been squeezed. It is rarely useful 
in external inflammatory diseases of the eye, but it is very val- 
uable for hemorrhages of the optic nerve and retina (77); this 
apoplexy may occur in persons who have no albuminuria. It 
not only " absorbs the haemorrhage" but " controls inflammatory 
symptoms and diminishes tendency to retinal extravasation" 
(Hering). 

In the ear, Lachesis is one of several remedies where the pain 
goes from the throat to the ear on swallowing (191). It also has 
deafness and dry, hard wax in the ear (65), with sensitiveness 
to sounds; usually these ear symptoms are associated with dis- 
eases of the throat or other parts of the body, thus making the 
choice of the remedy easier and more positive. 

In the nose we have epistaxis of dark blood (142), " mostly 
in the morning" (Hering) (142) and Lachesis is useful in typhoid 
and in amenorrhcea (138) with this symptom. 



560 MATERIA MEDICA. 

In diphtheria and in ozsena (148) we have obstruction of the 
posterior nares, discharge of bloody matter and often soreness 
of the nostrils and lips. 

The gums are blue, swollen and bleeding (84) and with this 
condition we often have a toothache which is periodic, coming 
on in the morning on waking and worse from eating (187) and 
from warm (187) or cold drinks (187). 

The tongue under Lachesis is red, dry and tremulous (192). 
We have a red tip or a red stripe running through the cen- 
ter (192). It is to be thought of in paralysis of the tongue (192) 
when it cannot be protruded, but catches in the teeth. It is use- 
ful in ulceration (192) and for canker sores (140) on the tongue, 
with great sensitiveness to touch, and in aphthae (140) and gan- 
grene of the mouth (141), with dark purple color and offensive 
odor. 

In and around the throat we find many conditions of interest. 
Outside and inside there is great sensitiveness. They cannot 
bear to have anything touch the neck (166) and are constantly 
pulling at the collar to loosen it, no matter how much room there 
may be. Dr. Hering, "who could never tolerate tight clothing 
about his neck, noticed during the proving of Lachesis that this 
symptom annoyed him more than usual and he made a note of 
it, although he did not place much value on it. Since then the 
symptom has been confirmed many times in practice, and has 
been found true, not only as a local symptom of the neck, but as 
a symptom of the body generally" (Farrington), for the whole 
surface is sensitive and they cannot bear anything, not even the 
clothing, to touch them. 

In the throat we have elongation of the uvula, a sensation as 
if a crumb stuck in the throat, with hawking (44) and constant 
efforts to get rid of the irritation. 

We often have a feeling of a lump in the throat, which will 
waken one out of a sleep. This sensation of a lump, or as if the 
throat were swollen and he would suffocate, is noticed on empty 
swallowing or when swallowing liquids, more than when swallow- 
ing food (183). In certain conditions when the attempt is made 
to swallow liquids they regurgitate through the nose (183), but 



LACHESIS MUTUS. 561 

in all diseases of the throat there is extreme sensitiveness to ex- 
ternal touch or pressure, which causes a feeling of suffocation. 

The disease starts on, or is confined to the 1. side, the throat 
is swollen and of dark red or purple color (191); there is soreness 
or sharp pains that extend from the throat to the ear on swallow- 
ing (191) and the odor from the throat is very offensive (62). 
With these symptoms Lachesis is indicated in all forms of throat 
troubles, from follicular tonsillitis and pharyngitis to ulceration 
(including syphilitic), gangrene and the severest forms of diph- 
theria (62). With the throat lesions the submaxillary and sali- 
vary glands are apt to be swollen. 

In the stomach Lachesis is valuable for the gastritis of drunk- 
ards (176) and for weakened digestion after mercury (139). It 
may be needed in the vomiting of pregnancy (153) and it must 
not be forgotten in yellow fever in the stage of black vomit 
(209), but the important thing to remember in all stomach and 
abdominal conditions is the soreness and sensitiveness to touch 
and the intolerance of the pressure of the clothes (12). A 
couple of pathogenetic symptoms, of different degrees of severity, 
read: " Obliged to wear the clothes very loose, especially about 
the stomach; even in bed is obliged to loosen and raise the night 
dress, in order to avoid pressure ; she dares not even lay the arm 
across the abdomen on account of the pressure" (Allen's Ency- 
clop.). 

We can make a note here that, as Allen points out, "the r. 
side of the abdomen presents numerous symptoms of Lach. r 
while in the throat most of the symptoms are on the 1. side." 

It is a remedy that has been found useful in appendicitis and in 
a late stage of peritonitis, and in a great variety of debilitating 
diseases of the abdominal and pelvic viscera, always with the 
aggravation from sleep, as well as the intolerance of clothing 
over the affected part. 

It has been used in gall-stone colic (82), with jaundice (82), 
the liver swollen and very painful, and in inflammation of the liver, 
with threatening abscess (127). It is to be thought of in ascites 
(11) of drunkards and for "threatened gangrene in strangulated 
hernia" (Hering). 



562 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Lack, is useful in haemorrhoids (86), especially when strangu- 
lated, with great constriction of the anus (158) and a feeling of 
a, plug there (160), with stitches running upward and severe 
throbbing. It is of value in fissures of the anus (159), with 
throbbing and beating as of many little hammers. 

The stools of Lachesis are very offensive and putrid (59). 
"Of the odor of putrefying snakes", as one symptom reads; but 
as few of us have had the opportunity of verifying the odor, the 
words putrid or cadaverous-smelling must satisfy our demands 
for exactness. The stools are sometimes involuntary, especially 
in low types of disease. 

In low types of disease we have haemorrhages from the bowels 
of black decomposed blood, with, as several authors, other than 
in the Handbook, say, " black particles of blood on the bottom 
of the vessel looking like charred straw." 

It is useful in diarrhoea worse in warm weather (57), for the 
diarrhoea of women at the climacteric, and for that of drunkards. 

The urine under Lachesis is scanty and offensive, dark or black- 
ish (193), with a sediment of decomposed blood (194) looking like 
coffee-grounds. It is to be thought of in general dropsy (63) 
after diphtheria and scarlet fever, with this black, albuminous 
urine of decomposed blood, and dark purple or bluish skin. 

It is useful for chancroidal ulcers and buboes, with a general 
bluish look (26) and with a tendency to become gangrenous. 

In reference to the female sexual organs, Allen says, "the 
most frequent indications for Lack, in all diseases of the uterus 
and ovaries are the intolerance of the weight of the clothing, 
the tendency of the disease to extend from 1. to r." and the aggra- 
vation during sleep; with these symptoms "it has cured almost 
every pathological condition of the female organs, tumors, in- 
flammations, displacements, indurations, neuralgias, etc." 

In addition Lachesis is useful in "menstrual colic beginning in 
the 1. ovary" (Hering), in dysmenorrhoea and in membranous 
dysmenorrhoea (138), worse alcoholic stimulants (5), with pain 
in 1. ovary (147) darting upward. 

It is valuable for inflammation of the ovaries, worse 1. (148), 
especially if the menses are offensive (137), with general relief 



LACHESIS MUTUS. 563 

on the free appearance of the flow (134); also of value in puer- 
peral metritis, with offensive lochia (153), and in phlebitis follow- 
ing pregnancy. 

Lachesis is very valuable for many troubles occurring during 
the climacteric, some of which we have already spoken of. 

One of the most important uses for the remedy at this time 
is for the flushes of heat to the head and face, the "hot flushes" 
that are so annoying (32). With this we have as prominent 
symptoms, the desire to loosen the clothes about the waist and 
especially around the neck, for they feel as if they would suffo- 
cate if the collar touched them. 

It is valuable for metrorrhagia at the climacteric (136), with 
hot flushes, fainting turns, pain in the ovary and aggravation 
from sleep. Hering gives as an additional indication for the 
remedy, "women who have not recovered from change of life, 
'have never felt well since that time." 7 

On the respiratory organs under Lachesis we find the same 
prominent symptoms that we have now given so often that you 
begin to look bored at the mere mention ofthem ; but for all that, 
I am going to repeat them and venture to predict that in spite 
of your familiarity with them at the present moment, there 
will come a time when they are presented to you in practice that 
you will overlook them, and instead of giving Lachesis at once, 
you will hunt all around for the remedy to fit the case, very like 
the woman who always looks under the bed for the man instead 
of between the sheets, where she might expect to find him. 

There is the sensitiveness of the larynx to external touch or 
pressure (191), the feeling of suffocation and the cough from 
external pressure (44). 

It is to be thought of in nervous cough (46) at the climacteric 
(42), or cough of reflex origin (42), without symptoms of local 
inflammation. We have asthmatic attacks (19) coming on 
during sleep and making the patient afraid to go to sleep for fear 
she will die, so difficult is it to get her breath when she wakens. 
It is useful in emphysema (66), with the dyspnoea so great that 
the patient cannot lie down on account of the suffocative fulness 
of the chest, and with necessity to have the clothes around the 
neck and chest very loose. 
37 



562 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Lack, is useful in haemorrhoids (86), especially when strangu- 
lated, with great constriction of the anus (158) and a feeling of 
a plug there (160), with stitches running upward and severe 
throbbing. It is of value in fissures of the anus (159), with 
throbbing and beating as of many little hammers. 

The stools of Lachesis are very offensive and putrid (59). 
"Of the odor of putrefying snakes", as one symptom reads; but 
as few of us have had the opportunity of verifying the odor, the 
words putrid or cadaverous-smelling must satisfy our demands 
for exactness. The stools are sometimes involuntary, especially 
in low types of disease. 

In low types of disease we have haemorrhages from the bowels 
of black decomposed blood, with, as several authors, other than 
in the Handbook, say, " black particles of blood on the bottom 
of the vessel looking like charred straw." 

It is useful in diarrhoea worse in warm weather (57), for the 
diarrhoea of women at the climacteric, and for that of drunkards. 

The urine under Lachesis is scanty and offensive, dark or black- 
ish (193), with a sediment of decomposed blood (194) looking like 
coffee-grounds. It is to be thought of in general dropsy (63) 
after diphtheria and scarlet fever, with this black, albuminous 
urine of decomposed blood, and dark purple or bluish skin. 

It is useful for chancroidal ulcers and buboes, with a general 
bluish look (26) and with a tendency to become gangrenous. 

In reference to the female sexual organs, Allen says, "the 
most frequent indications for Lack, in all diseases of the uterus 
and ovaries are the intolerance of the weight of the clothing, 
the tendency of the disease to extend from 1. to r." and the aggra- 
vation during sleep; with these symptoms "it has cured almost 
every pathological condition of the female organs, tumors, in- 
flammations, displacements, indurations, neuralgias, etc." 

In addition Lachesis is useful in "menstrual colic beginning in 
the 1. ovary" (Hering), in dysmenorrhoea and in membranous 
dysmenorrhoea (138), worse alcoholic stimulants (5), with pain 
in 1. ovary (147) darting upward. 

It is valuable for inflammation of the ovaries, worse 1. (148), 
especially if the menses are offensive (137), with general relief 



LACHESIS MUTUS. 563 

on the free appearance of the flow (134); also of value in puer- 
peral metritis, with offensive lochia (153), and in phlebitis follow- 
ing pregnancy. 

Lachesis is very valuable for many troubles occurring during 
the climacteric, some of which we have already spoken of. 

One of the most important uses for the remedy at this time 
is for the flushes of heat to the head and face, the "hot flushes" 
that are so annoying (32). With this we have as prominent 
symptoms, the desire to loosen the clothes about the waist and 
especially around the neck, for they feel as if they would suffo- 
cate if the collar touched them. 

It is valuable for metrorrhagia at the climacteric (136), with 
hot flushes, fainting turns, pain in the ovary and aggravation 
from sleep. Hering gives as an additional indication for the 
remedy, "women who have not recovered from change of life, 
'have never felt well since that time." 7 

On the respiratory organs under Lachesis we find the same 
prominent symptoms that we have now given so often that you 
begin to look bored at the mere mention ofthem ; but for all that, 
I am going to repeat them and venture to predict that in spite 
of your familiarity with them at the present moment, there 
will come a time when they are presented to you in practice that 
you will overlook them, and instead of giving Lachesis at once, 
you will hunt all around for the remedy to fit the case, very like 
the woman who always looks under the bed for the man instead 
of between the sheets, where she might expect to find him. 

There is the sensitiveness of the larynx to external touch or 
pressure (191), the feeling of suffocation and the cough from 
external pressure (44). 

It is to be thought of in nervous cough (46) at the climacteric 
(42), or cough of reflex origin (42), without symptoms of local 
inflammation. We have asthmatic attacks (19) coming on 
during sleep and making the patient afraid to go to sleep for fear 
she will die, so difficult is it to get her breath when she wakens. 
It is useful in emphysema (66), with the dyspnoea so great that 
the patient cannot lie down on account of the suffocative fulness 
of the chest, and with necessity to have the clothes around the 
neck and chest very loose. 
37 



564 MATERIA MEDICA. 

It is useful in cough and whooping cough, the attacks waking 
one out of sleep, and in both false and true croup, "the child 
may be fairly well while awake but as soon as it gets to sleep the 
croup symptoms appear in great violence, the child almost suffo- 
cates, and the mother or nurse in consequence fear to let the child 
go to sleep" (Guernsey). In diphtheria and croup there is great 
fetor (62) under this remedy, with blue face and extreme pros- 
tration. Hering says, in reference to diphtheria, " constitutional 
symptoms out of all proportion to local manifestations, prostra- 
tion considerable even before any local evidences of disease could 
be detected." 

We can think of Lachesis in mastitis (22), with suppuration, 
bluish appearance of the breast and extreme sensitiveness of the 
nipple. 

In the heart Lachesis is indicated in all inflammatory diseases, 
with palpitation (111), suffocation, intolerance of pressure about 
the heart (107) and pain going down the left arm (110). It is 
extremely useful in atheromatous arteries, in chronic aortitis, 
in angina pectoris (107) and hypertrophy of the heart (110) 
with the terrible dyspnoea. 

It is also of value in nervous affections of the heart, with pal- 
pitation (111) and feeling as if the heart were growing up (113) 
and would suffocate him, or with the violent beating there is a 
sensation as if the heart turned over (114). It is a valuable pallia- 
tive in congenital cyanosis (207) a "blue baby." 

Remember Lachesis in neuralgia and inflammation of the 
spine (171) and spinal nerves, myelitis, in neuritis and in neu- 
ralgia of the coccyx (34). 

The skin under Lachesis is bluish or purple (207). In erysip- 
elas (68) we would think of it in severe cases starting on the I. 
side, and accompanied by great swelling and bluish look. In 
purpura hsemorrhagica (158) the whole body is swollen, extremely 
sore and intolerant of the pressure of the clothing. There is 
tendency to ecchymoses, with purple or black spots (65), and 
to bed-sores (21), with black edges. 

It is useful in indolent, varicose (205) and venereal ulcers, with 
sensitiveness, bluish-purple color, and general tendency of the 



LEDUM PALUSTRE. 565 

sore to become gangrenous (82), as well as in carbuncle, sup- 
purating wounds and ulcers which threaten to become gan- 
grenous. 

It is of value in pustular eruptions, which suppurate and 
become bluish-black, and has proved curative in the Bubonic 
plague. 

In intermittent fever, Lachesis would be indicated in chronic 
cases, with tendency to recur in the spring, or recurring in the 
spring or summer " after suppression in previous fall by quinine" 
(Hering) and this latter symptom is called "guiding " by H. C. 
Allen. 

The chill begins in the small of the back (121) and is "better 
in warm room or from external heat" (Hering) (121). During 
the fever we would have livid complexion, loquacity and the 
desire to loosen the clothes about the neck, as if they hindered 
the circulation and caused suffocation. The sweat is profuse 
and strong smelling, especially sweat in the axilla smelling like 
garlic. 

Lachesis is useful in all typhoid types of diseases, and in 
typhoid fever we would have in addition to the extreme pros- 
tration of the remedy, loquacity, dry, red tongue, offensive dis- 
charges and exhalations and the tendency to haemorrhages (193) 
of dark blood. 

Lycopodium follows Lachesis well and Am. carb., Dulc, Nit. ac, 
Psor., and " Acet. ac." (Hering), are injurious or incompatible. 

I use Lachesis 30th. 

LEDUM PALUSTRE. 

Wild Rosemary, Marsh Tea, Labrador Tea. 

(Ledum — Ae'Sov, ledon, ladanum, a resinous juice; palustre, a 
swamp). 

Ledum grows, in this part of the world, in Canada, seeking cold 
and swampy regions. 

Our knowledge of its curative powers is derived from the 
provings of Hahnemann and his followers. 

It "acts," says Dunham, "on the vital force to this extent, 



566 MATERIA MEDICA. 

that it interferes with and retards the capillary circulation, and 
particularly in the extremities and the external surface of the 
body. This is manifest by the coldness of the ends of the extremi- 
ties, which characterizes the fever of Ledum. . . . On the organic 
substance of the body, Ledum acts extensively and peculiarly; 
witness the effect on the skin, on which it produces eczema . . . ; 
and the action upon the small joints of the fingers and toes, in 
which enlargements, nodosities and deposits of inorganic mat- 
ter do unquestionably occur." 

There is a general tendency in Ledum to rheumatic affections, 
especially of the joints, with soreness of the muscles and coldness, 
and the rheumatic pains travel from below upward (163). As 
a rule, the pains are sticking, tearing and the various parts of the 
body seem bruised (166) ; " pains changed their location suddenly" 
(149) is the way a pathogenetic symptom reads. There is a de- 
cided aggravation of the pains at night and from warmth (160). 

There is also a marked tendency to ecchymoses (65) and to 
haemorrhages, especially of bright red, frothy blood. Slight in- 
juries cause ecchymoses in any part of the body, and it is of value 
internally and locally, for bruises, for injuries from pointed in- 
struments, and locally for the stings of insects (122), from mos- 
quitoes up to wasps, it will give quicker relief than anything that 
I have ever used, although Dunham considers that it is " especi- 
ally for gouty or intemperate subjects." Dunham speaks of 
someone who employed the 15th dilution as a local application. 
I have always used the 1st. 

In the eyes, it is of value for " wounds of the eyes and lids, 
especially if accompanied by extravasation of blood," for ecchy- 
moses of the conjunctiva, "traumatic or spontaneous" (Hering) 
and for intraocular haemorrhages (74). 

In the ear there is ringing as from bells, or roaring (65) as 
from wind, and it is useful for inflammation (63), with deafness, 
due to catching cold, as after having the hair cut (5). 

The menses under Ledum are too early and too profuse (135), 
amounting to a haemorrhage and consisting of bright red, frothy 
blood, the patient being one with " absence of vital heat" (Hering) 
(114), one who has great difficulty in keeping warm. It is of 
value for fibroids of the uterus (202), with menorrhagia. 



LILIUM TIGRINUM. 567 

From the lungs we find bright red and frothy blood (27) ex- 
pelled easily with cough; also attacks of rheumatism, alternating 
with haemorrhage from the lungs (163). 

Ledum is of value for synovitis of the knee (125), with great 
sensitiveness, and for rheumatism of the knee-joint (125), but 
it is especially so for acute articular rheumatism of the small 
joints (161), feet (161) and fingers, or for chronic conditions, with 
gouty nodes or concretions (84). The pains begin in the lower 
extremities and travel upward (163) but the joints are seldom 
hot or swollen. The pains shift (149) from joint to joint and 
from side to side, with a general upward tendency; the pains 
grow worse in the evening and up to midnight, are worse from 
heat (160) and the warmth of the bed, and better from cold 
applications (160). 

Ledum must be remembered for soreness of the feet and heels 
(71) from taking cold, as from getting wet, and for the effects 
of bruises of the soles, with great soreness (72). 

It has itching over the whole body, urticaria (201), that shifts 
from place to place and is aggravated by heat (201). 

The skin symptoms are found especially in the steady drinker. 
It is useful for chronic eczema of the face and for papular erup- 
tions on the face and forehead, and for the red blotches on the 
forehead found in habitual drunkards. It has been used for the 
nose that has the so-called " rum-blossom " (145). 

I use Ledum 6th. 

LILIUM TIGRINUM. 

Tiger Lily. 

This common garden lily was first proved for Dr. Wm. E. Payne, 
of Maine, who introduced it into our Materia Medica in 1867. 

Its especial sphere of action is for congestion of the pelvic 
viscera in women, together with the reflex symptoms. 

Mentally, as the result of uterine and ovarian irritation, we 
find an aimless hurry and nothing accomplished; great depres- 
sion of spirits and apprehension concerning her present and 
future welfare (132). She fears that she will become insane 



568 MATERIA MEDICA. 

(131) or that she is incurable; " believes that she has some or- 
ganic disease that nobody understands" (Hering). She is " tor- 
mented about her salvation" and " thinks she is doomed to 
expiate her sins and those of her family" (Hering) (131). 

There is a feeling of weight or pressure downward of the ab- 
dominal and pelvic contents, with aggravation from walking or 
standing, and relieved by sitting (203), pressure upward against 
the vulva, or, in particular, by supporting the abdominal walls 
with the hands. 

It is of value in prolapsus (203) and anteversion (202) with 
these symptoms, associated with frequent desire to urinate (203) 
and smarting in urethra during and after micturition (194). 

In retroversion (203), calling for Lilium tig., the uterus presses 
against the rectum causing frequent desire for stool (203). 

It is to be thought of for uterine neuralgia (202), especially 
when there is anteversion, and for chronic metritis, in both 
conditions with extreme sensitiveness to touch or pressure over 
the uterine region. 

Of the ovaries the 1. is more apt to be affected (147) with the 
same bearing-down sensation and tenderness to pressure (148). 

Lilium tig. is a remedy useful for sympathetic affections of the 
heart due to some abnormal uterine condition, such as palpita- 
tion (112), sensation as if the heart contained too much blood 
(113), or as if the heart were grasped by a hand (113) or squeezed 
by a vice, with "a feeling as if he must bend double" (Hering); 
it also has pain in the heart, as if grasped, waking him suddenly, 
the grasping being gradually relaxed. 

I use Lilium tig., 3d. 

LOBELIA INFLATA. 

Indian Tobacco — Puke Root — Asthma Root. 

Lobelia, named after Mathias de L'Obel, a French botanist, is 
a wide-spread American plant and was smoked by our Indians 
for its relaxing effect. 

There are two other Lobelias, the red, Lobelia cardinalis, and 
the blue, Lobelia syphilitica, which have had slight provings. 



LILIUM TIGRINUM. 569 

This one, which is officinal in the old school Pharmacopoeia, was 
first proved by Dr. Jeanes, of this country. 

Lobelia had its greatest repute in the Botanic practice being 
recommended, says Millspaugh, "for almost every disease known, 
and has proved curative in some cases, palliative in more, useless 
in many, and a deadly poison in more cases than one." 

It is used by the Eclectics, either alone or in many combina- 
tions. 

Quoting from Allen's Handbook, we find that it " produces, in 
large doses, most violent vomiting, and profound prostration, 
failure of the heart and respiration, collapse and fatal stupor; it 
paralyzes the pneumogastric and vaso-motor nerves. Its most 
important action in smaller doses is laryngeal and bronchial 
spasm, hence it is very useful in various spasmodic diseases of 
the respiratory apparatus attended with deathly nausea." 

There is a sensation of sinking or goneness at the pit of the 
stomach (179), with faintness and " deathly sick feeling all over" 
(Hering), associated with nausea, vomiting and cold sweat (185). 
With these symptoms Lobelia is of value in gastralgia, dyspepsia, 
Hale saying "most useful in the dyspepsia due to excessive use of 
green tea (7), tobacco and bad liquor," and of great value in 
the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (153), one case where it 
gave great relief being aggravated by the sight or smell of 
food. 

Lobelia is of value in bronchitis, asthma (19), true or spas- 
modic, and in spasmodic croup, with great suffocation and oppres- 
sion of the chest (29), and sensation as if the chest were full of 
blood (27), which seems to stagnate, "better moving about" 
(Allen), although Dr. Jeanes says the dyspnoea is "aggravated 
by the slightest exertion." 

Frequently there is a sensation of a lump in the throat which 
impedes respiration (25). Accompanying the respiratory 
troubles we have nausea and vomiting. 

I use Lobelia in the tincture. 



570 MATERIA MEDICA. 

LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM. 

Club-moss. 

(Lycopodium — \vkos, lukos, a wolf + novs, pous, foot; so called 
from the appearance of the roots. Clavatum, clava, a club.) 

Lycopodium was first proved by Hahnemann. 

The Lycopodium powder or pollen, which is taken to prepare 
the drug for our use, is made up of spores or nuts, within which 
is the oil having medicinal virtues. While the tincture of Lyco- 
podium will be furnished by the pharmacist, if you ask for it, the 
powder must be triturated for a long time so as to break up the 
spores, before the alcohol is added, as "in its ordinary crude 
state" it is " almost without any medicinal effect on the human 
body" (Chr. Dis.). 

It is thought that no trituration below the 12x will have 
been ground sufficiently fine to have all the spores broken and 
to convert into a liquid potency it is best to start with the 12x 
rather than with the 6x, as is the rule with other insoluble sub- 
stances. 

Lycopodium is used by the old school simply as a dusting- 
powder for chafing, etc., and as of no medicinal value; but, says 
Hahnemann, "when the pollen of the club-moss is treated in the 
mode by which the homoeopathic art unveils the crude substance 
of nature, there arises a wonderfully effective medicine in its thirty 
different degrees of dynamization" (Chr. Dis.). 

The great characteristic of the remedy is the peculiar indiges- 
tion and the production of flatus in the intestines, noticed while 
eating, and we expect to find some evidence of this nearly every 
time that the remedy is prescribed. 

Another characteristic of the remedy is an aggravation of 
many of the conditions from 4 to 8 p. m., with regular recurrence. 

A symptom that is frequently overlooked is the desire for and 
general relief in the open air (9). 

Lycopodium produces uric acid deposits, "hence pains in the 
kidneys and bladder; and hence indirectly the pains in the limbs 
and joints" (Dunham). It produces catarrhal symptoms in the 
nose, throat and especially in the lungs. It "acts upon the vege- 



LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM. 571 

tative system, producing weakness of its powers, and wasting and 
decay of the tissues'' (Talcott), and is adapted to atonic types of 
disease, to "deep-seated progressing chronic disease" (Hering), 
for conditions of malnutrition (129), and is more frequently use- 
ful for persons who are emaciated than for those who are well 
nourished. 

It is said that the emaciation is especially of the upper part 
of the body, and an indication for the remedy in children is when 
they look wrinkled and prematurely old (31). 

While Lycopodium is a remedy especially indicated in deep- 
seated chronic affections, it is sometimes required as an "inter- 
current" during the course of an acute malady (121). It is a 
r.-sided remedy (163) or begins on the r. side of the body and 
travels to the 1. 

Lycopodium is of great value in conditions of mental torpor, 
with slowness of comprehension, "for overworked brains where 
brain trouble threatens" (Dunham) (93), especially for old 
people, with forgetfulness of words and syllables, difficulty in 
expressing himself and uses wrong words and syllables, with con- 
fusion of ideas generally unless he concentrates his mind on the 
subject. There is a loss of mental control, a want of self-confi- 
dence, with great mental and nervous weakness (156), with 
physical relaxation (155). 

It is of value in melancholic hypochondriasis, with weeping 
and apprehension, or they are irritable and hate everybody, 
especially when suffering from indigestion, or they are domi- 
neering in manner, with exaggerated ideas of their own import- 
ance (54). At times the patient is very easily frightened and 
startled, and with a dread of seeing anyone. 

It has proved useful in tubercular meningitis (133), with 
moaning, sleep with half-open eyes and an afternoon aggravation, 
and for chronic hydrocephalus (119), with screaming out in 
sleep, but without general A pis symptoms. 

It is a remedy to be thought of for premature grayness of the 
hair (88), "preceded or accompanied by dryness of the scalp" 
(Dearborn). There may be falling out of the hair on the scalp, 
with increased growth on other parts of the body, or, according 



574 MATERIA MEDICA. 

and pains of various sorts, with necessity to loosen the clothing 
(12) and relief from empty eructations (175). 

It is of value for chronic inflammation of the liver, with en- 
largement, heaviness and soreness, and is useful as a palliative 
in cirrhosis of the liver (127). It is to be thought of in abdominal 
dropsy (11), due to chronic hepatic disease, as well as for the 
brown patches of chloasma, liver-spots, when they appear on the 
abdomen (127). 

Lycopodium has proved useful in strangulated hernia (114) 
when there was great distention and retching, and for gall-stone 
colic (82). 

It is a remedy to be thought of not only for non-bleeding 
haemorrhoids (86), which become very painful when sitting, 
and associated with distention of the abdomen, and mental de- 
pression, but also for haemorrhoids which bleed frequently (85), 
even when the patient is not constipated. 

While we may have painless diarrhoea, movements thin, or 
mixed with hard lumps, and with aggravation from 4-8 p. m., 
the usual state of the patient is one of obstinate constipation, 
with little or no desire, stools hard and dry, and spasmodic con- 
striction of the anus whenever the attempt is made to evacuate 
the bowels (158). 

Lycopodium is an important remedy in the uric acid diathesis, 
with deposits of red sand (123) (uric acid crystals which are easily 
removed from the vessel). The urine is apt to be scanty and 
burning when passed (194), and we may find " urging to urinate; 
must wait long before it will pass" (Hering) (200). 

It is useful in dysuria in children, especially with scanty urine, 
and for retention of urine, the flow being by "fits and starts" 
(Hering) (199). It has relieved renal colic of the r. side (124) 
and is useful for hsematuria when caused by gravel (85). It is 
a remedy to be thought of for tendency to the formation of stone 
in the bladder (22). 

Lycopodium is of value for chronic interstitial nephritis (124), 
with cedematous extremities and the gastric derangements of the 
remedy. In cedematous conditions generally, a characteristic 
symptom of Lycopodium is emaciation of the upper part of the 
body, with swelling of the lower. 



LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM. 575 

In the male sexual sphere, it is of value for sexual exhaustion, 
especially after chronic gonorrhoea or cystitis. There is loss of 
desire, "he goes to sleep during coition" (Chr. Dis.) and the 
penis is relaxed and cold (168). With these symptoms it is an 
important remedy for impotency (168) in the aged, for those who 
wish to appear to advantage in a new field, and Lilienthal refers 
to it as the "old man's balm." It is to be thought of in chronic 
prostatitis (155), with more or less cystitis and the urinary symp- 
toms already spoken of. 

Lycopodium is a remedy of value in depression of spirits and 
abdominal distention preceding or during menstruation, or for 
suppression of the menses, with increased flatulence (138) and 
melancholia (139). 

The leucorrhcea is a paroxysmal discharge, or it flows in 
gushes (126), and is associated with a sensation of dryness and 
burning in the vagina (205). With the leucorrhcea, as well as in 
chronic inflammation of the uterus, cancer (202) and fibroid 
tumors (202), we are apt to have discharge of gas from the vagina 
(205). It is a remedy to be thought of for varicose veins of the 
pudenda (205). 

Lycopodium is useful for neuralgia (147) or inflammation of 
the ovaries, when confined to the r. side (147), or starting there 
and traveling to the 1. 

In the chest Lycopodium is frequently indicated but not always 
given, because, as it seems to me, the abdominal symptoms have 
such a prominent place in our minds that we are apt to forget 
that there are any others worth remembering. 

It is of value for chronic catarrh, especially in old people (147), 
with dyspnoea from the least exertion, cough worse after 4 p. m., 
and usually with free expectoration. It has a tickling, irritating 
cough, as though caused by the inhalation of sulphur fumes (43), 
with gray salt expectoration (70). It also has a sudden, violent 
cough from itching-tickling in larynx, as if it were tickled with 
a feather (43), with scanty expectoration. When there is 
scanty expectoration, in this remedy, the cough is violent and 
affects or shakes the stomach or abdomen. A unique symptom is 
the clinical one given by Allen, " cough rather worse when going 
-down hill than up." 



576 MATERIA MEDICA. 

It is of great value in subacute pneumonia, with easy expecto- 
ration but great difficulty in breathing and fanlike motion of the 
wings of the nose (145), with aggravation when lying on the back. 
It is of especial value in mismanaged pneumonia, so-called, when 
another physician has first been on the case, or if you have treated 
it from the beginning, one that has never presented a good pic- 
ture of any remedy, and you, in your anxiety, have shifted from 
drug to drug as the condition has gone from bad to worse, until 
now, with the continued hepatization and time for resolution to 
take place, the patient is getting in a low condition, has great 
difficulty in breathing, with the fanlike motion of the wings of the 
nose on each inspiration; in such a condition, Lycopodium, the 
inoffensive dusting powder, will straighten the case out if any- 
thing will. 

In phthisis, with cold night-sweats (185), it is called for when 
the characteristic abdominal symptoms present themselves. 

Lippe gives a symptom that sounds as if it should be a promi- 
nent one of the remedy, but it is not in the provings, " palpitation 
of the heart, worse after eating" (111). 

Besides ascites, already spoken of, Lycopodium is of value for 
dropsies of the pericardium (109) and pleura (29). 

In the back, we find a burning pain between the scapula?, as 
from hot coals (168). 

In lumbago, Lycopodium is of value after Bryonia has ceased 
to act, and with aggravation from every motion. 

In rheumatism, and especially in chronic conditions, the trouble 
is worse on the r. side, with aggravation towards evening and 
from warmth (160). It is of value in chronic rheumatism of any 
joint, small ones especially (161) and of the hands in particular 
(161), the hands and fingers swollen and stiff. It is also of value 
in chronic gout (84), with chalky deposits in the joints. 

In rheumatism and gout the gastric and urinary symptoms 
occupy a prominent position in the selection of this remedy. 

Lycopodium is indicated in varicose veins (205) and ulcers, 
with oedema and aggravation from heat and hot applications, 
nsevus vasculosus and pigmentosus (mole), for eczema and psor- 
iasis (158), with itching and easy bleeding, in general with 



LYCOPUS VIRGINICUS. 577 

aggravation from warmth (122) and relief from cold or in the 
open air. It is useful in intertrigo, "especially under the arms, 
between the thighs and on the scrotum " (Dunham), with the 
above conditions of aggravation and amelioration. 

The intermittent fever case requiring Lycopodium is especially 
a chronic one, with recurrence of the paroxysm at 4 p. m. or 
between 4 and 8 p. m. and associated with nervous irritability, 
red sand in the urine, enlarged spleen (173) and teasing cough 
(121), with sour vomiting at end of chill, which vomiting may 
continue during the fever. 

The chill is apt to begin in the back (121). There is no thirst 
during the chill but there is thirst (121) during the fever and 
"after the sweating stage" (Hering). The sweat is sour-smelling. 

Lycopodium is occasionally called for in typhoid fever, with 
distention of the abdomen, uric acid sediment in the urine and 
great mental depression. 

Hahnemann says that a dose of Lycopodium "operates for 
forty to fifty days," and "it is especially efficacious, when it 
is homceopathically indicated after the previous use of Calcarea" 
(Chr. Dis.). 

I use Lycopodium 6th. 

LYCOPUS VIRGINICUS. 

Bugle- weed — Water Hoarhound — Virginia Hoarhound. 

(Marrubium vulgare (not one of our remedies) is the common 
hoarhound.) 

(Lycopus, \vkos, lukos, wolf; novs, pous, foot, named like 
Lycopodium, from the supposed resemblance of the root to a 
wolf's foot.) 

The Virginia bugle-weed is indigenous to North America and 
was first proved by Dr. G. E. Chandler, of this country, and Dr. 
Morison, of England, about 1872. 

The thought that I keep in mind in reference to this remedy 
is associated with a tumultuous action of the heart. 

The heart is weak and irritable; it has lost its tone and any 
little exertion or excitement will start the heart off on its irregular 



578 MATERIA MEDICA. 

tumbling action, which may be seen and heard, and prevents the 
patient from lying with the head on the pillow; associated with 
this are cold extremities and general nervousness, and Hering 
adds, " excessive flatulence and profuse flow of watery urine." 

We have the active, irregular heart, which occasionally inter- 
mits (110) but the word tumultuous, as found in the Handbook, 
expresses my idea of the Lycopus heart's action (112). 

Lycopus has been used with success in exophthalmic goitre 
(83), with palpitation, tremulous or tumultuous action of the 
heart, protruding eyes, etc., the usual symptoms in this disease. 
Allen says, "it may relieve the protrusion of the eyes and the 
cyanosis from the general relaxation, but it has no effect upon the 
glandular enlargement of the thyroid, which usually must be 
treated by Iodine." 

Exophthalmic goitre has long been considered as extremely 
difficult to cure. Some recent reports, notably that of Dr. V. C. 
Piatti, on the use of Lycopus, in this disease, have been very favor- 
able, and if it has a nervous origin, due to fright, for example, it 
would seem as if the remedy was all the more indicated. 

It is of value in cardiac diseases, including neuroses, associated 
with tumultuous action, usually with more or less pain and 
tenderness about the heart; frequently associated with hyper- 
trophy of the heart (110). It is useful in palpitation from nervous 
irritation (111), with feeling of oppression about the heart (110). 

Lycopus is to be thought of in rheumatic pains in various parts 
of the body, associated with simple palpitation and general 
nervous symptoms, or with valvular disease, and it is useful in 
valvular disease of the heart following articular rheumatism, 
with dyspnoea and palpitation, or small, weak, irritable pulse 
which intermits (110) now and then. 

I use Lycopus in the tincture. 

MAGNESIA GARBONIGA. 

Magnesium Carbonate. 

Mag. carb. was first proved by Hahnemann. 

In general, Mag. carb. produces, and one or more of these 



MAGNESIA CARBONICA. 579 

characteristics may be looked for whenever the remedy is pre- 
scribed, gastric (178) and intestinal catarrh, acid and sour eructa- 
tions (178), sour-smelling (59), flatulent stools and sour perspira- 
tion. 

The pains of Mag. carb. are worse at night, from cold and 
while sitting or when quiet; they cause great restlessness (160) 
and are relieved by motion, so that the patient is unable to keep 
still or in bed but must get up and walk (10). 

It is of value in supraorbital neuralgia, involving the forehead, 
and in infraorbital neuralgia, involving the malar bone (80) 
and face, with sharp, shooting pains that are worse at night and 
insupportable during rest, so that she wags the head to get relief, 
or gets up, or out of bed, and walks the floor. The pains are 
aggravated by draft of air (79) or change of temperature to 
cold, and from touch (79). 

The toothache of the remedy is brought on or worse from being 
in the cold air (187) and aggravated at night during rest, so that 
the patient is obliged to get up and walk the floor. It also seems, 
according to Hahnemann, Hering and Allen, to be worse from 
the warmth of the bed (187) and temporarily relieved by holding 
cold water in the mouth (187). 

Associated with, or independent of the neuralgic conditions, 
we find in Mag. c. acidity of the gastric and intestinal secretions, 
with sourness as a prominent symptom. If the " patient is an 
adult, the gastric and hepatic symptoms predominate" (Farring- 
ton); if a child, the gastro-intestinal symptoms are more in evi- 
dence, and "you will find it puny and sickly from defective nour- 
ishment," with tendency towards marasmus (129). 

It is frequently indicated in acid dyspepsia (178), with heart- 
burn (179) and large amounts of wind, which is sour when 
eructated, and there is a constant sour taste in the mouth. 
"Potatoes and cabbage" (Hering) disagree with the patient, as 
well as "starchy foods generally" (Farrington) (6); milk is 
distasteful and disagrees (6), causing sour eructations and 
flatus; it passes undigested (60), and is apt to cause colic that 
is relieved by bending double (174). 

The diarrhoea calling for Mag. c, while found in adults, is 
38 



580 MATERIA MEDICA. 

more frequently seen in infants and children and a symptom that 
we can keep in mind is that "milk is refused or if taken, causes 
pain in the stomach" (Hering) and passes undigested (60). 
There is rumbling and gurgling (11) in the abdomen and the 
stool is preceded by cutting colic, which is relieved by bending 
double (174). 

The stools are of green water (59), sometimes mixed with 
bloody mucus, often frothy (58) and usually containing green 
floating masses, or a green scum (59), which has been likened 
to the green scum found on a frog pond. At times the stools 
contain little white particles looking like grains of tallow (60) 
but whatever their appearance, they are always sour (59) and 
associated with sour (178) and acid eructations, and sour odor 
of the body. 

Menstruation is irregular in Mag. carb.; it is usually delayed 
(136) and when it does appear, is apt to last too long. The flow 
is thick and dark (136) like pitch and is more profuse at night 
than at any other time (134). 

The leucorrhoea is acrid (126) and of whitish mucus; it follows 
the menses (136) and is usually associated with colic. 

Hahnemann speaks of the value of Mag. carb. in the toothache 
of pregnancy (188), with the aggravation at night and when 
quiet, and it is to be thought of for the nausea and vomiting of 
pregnancy (153), the vomited matter having a sour odor. 

Allen speaks of it being indicated in bronchial catarrh of 
children, with stringy expectoration (69) and the green and sour 
stools of the remedy. 

Mag. carb. is useful in rheumatism of the r. deltoid (161), with 
the nightly aggravation, the relief from walking and the feeling 
as if he should let the arm hang at his side when sitting (with 
these symptoms Mag. phos. has given me greater satisfaction 
than Mag. carb., and the worse the case, the more it is indi- 
cated). 

I use Mag. carb. 3d. 



MAGNESIA MURIATICA. 581 

MAGNESIA MURIATICA. 

Magnesium Chloride. 

Mag. mur. is the other salt of Magnesium proved by Hahne- 
mann and it is similar in many respects to Mag. carb., but with 
this essential difference, that while with the latter we expect to 
have diarrhoea, with Mag. mur. constipation is the rule. 

In the head we have severe neuralgic headaches, which involve 
the eyes, with aggravation from motion (96) and while in the 
open air (93). The sensation in the head, in these neuralgias, 
is as if the skull would burst (104), with relief from lying down 
and from tying the head up tightly (92) or pressing on it with 
both hands (93). 

We also have headaches due to liver troubles (95), associated 
with the constipation of the remedy and soreness and sensitiveness 
in the region of the liver. 

In the stomach we find Mag. mur. of value in gastralgia, recur- 
ring perhaps several times a day, and for indigestion of infants 
and children from drinking milk (6), which causes pain and 
passes undigested (60). 

Mag. mur. is a great liver remedy, being indicated in many 
conditions, including enlargement and congestion, induration 
and cirrhosis (127), with, in general, jaundice (122), tenderness 
over the region of the liver and pain extending from there to 
the spine and pit of the stomach, aggravation immediately after 
eating (177), flatulent colic, constipation and haemorrhoids (86), 
and with aggravation of all pains from lying on the r. or affected 
side (8). We may have in addition, scanty, albuminous urine 
and swelling of the feet and legs (63), bloated abdomen (11), 
swelling of the tongue, which shows the imprint of the teeth 
(192) and always, and of prime importance, the obstinate consti- 
pation of the remedy. 

Usually there is little or no inclination for stool and a great 
deal of effort is required for a very small result. The stools 
may be of large, dry masses that crumble as they appear at the 
anus, or small and knotty and covered with mucus (35), but, 
as a rule, the stools are small and hard, like sheep-dung (35), 



582 MATERIA MEDICA. 

and crumble as if burnt. Think of the remedy in the " constipa- 
tion of infants (34) during dentition" (Hering). 

In the urinary organs we find micturition scanty, unsatisfactory, 
because some urine always seems to remain behind (200) and 
difficult, because they can only urinate by effort of the abdominal 
muscles (200) or must press the hands on the abdomen in the 
attempt to empty the bladder. 

Mag. mur. seems to be a remedy adapted to women, not only 
on the English surgeon's definition of a woman — "a constipated 
person with a pain" — but especially where uterine troubles are 
associated with hysterical symptoms, such as spasmodic flatulence, 
or a sensation of a ball rising from the stomach into the throat 
(189), and relieved by eructations (175). 

It is useful for fibroids (202) and for scirrhous indurations 
of the uterus (202), with discharge of black blood and pains 
extending down the thighs (139). 

Menstruation is preceded by great mental excitement and 
nervousness, and whether it is too early or too late, the flow is 
profuse and of thick, black blood (136) and associated with the 
constipation of the remedy. 

The leucorrhceal flow is thick and increased after every attempt 
at stool. 

A symptom of the third grade, as found in the Handbook, is 
raised to the second grade by Hering and to the first by Farring- 
ton and Lilienthal, and that is, palpitation worse when sitting 
(111), better moving about (110). 

I use Mag. mur. 3d. 

MAGNESIA PHOSPHORIGA. 

Magnesium Phosphate. 

Mag. phos. was first introduced by Schiissler as one of his 
twelve tissue remedies, and it well illustrates the necessity of 
thorough provings of our remedies before we can begin to know 
of their virtues or can use them intelligently. 

There have been but two provings made, the last one changing 
the side of the body on which the remedy seems to act best, and 



MAGNESIA PHOSPHORICA. 583 

Dr. B. R. Johnston, who conducted the latter proving made by 
eight students of the State University of Iowa, in giving the 
report to the American Institute of Homoeopathy, in 1906, says: 
"The more intimately one is associated with this kind of work r 
the more he realizes its incompleteness, and I cannot leave this 
with you without expressing the hope that others will continue 
the proving of this grand remedy, until it is fully known in all 
its finer details." 

I well recall the skepticism I felt in reference to the value of 
the remedy before I had used it; at present I would not be 
willing to question any report made of the cure of pain by Mag. 
phos. 

While it is not a duplicate of either of the other Magnesias, 
it shows many points of similarity, especially noticeable in neu- 
ralgic conditions. 

I think of Mag. phos. as having neuralgias, where the pains are 
as bad or worse than found under Mag. carb. or Mag. mur., but 
without the restlessness or necessity to walk, as found under 
Mag. carb. The r. side is especially affected (the last proving 
says 1. side), and there is pronounced relief from the application 
of heat. Neuralgic headaches, supraorbital (76) and infra- 
orbital neuralgias are commonly found, especially of the r. side, 
with relief from the external application of heat. 

The above is as I have found it; for the reverse, Dr. Johnston 
says: " There were pains in the head in nearly all cases. These 
pains were intermittent, darting, and in all cases but one, left- 
sided. There was some relief from pressure but the most fre- 
quently recorded modality was relief from walking in the open 
air. There can be no question about this symptom as it occurred 
in a number of the provers and was repeatedly noted in their 
records." 

In the abdomen think of Mag. phos. in flatulent colic, forcing the 
patient to bend double (174), better by heat, rubbing and pres- 
sure (175), as we find in Coloc, but differing from that remedy in 
there being no relief from the belching of gas. 

In a case of gastralgia, with the above symptoms, there were, 
in addition, pains from the stomach to the back and profuse 
urine and necessity to void it after each paroxysm of pain. 



584 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Menstruation is preceded or accompanied by severe crampy 
pains, with pronounced relief from the application of heat. 

I have used Mag. phos. with success in rheumatism of the r. 
deltoid (161) coming on only at night, and in this condition, with 
inability to stay in bed and necessity to walk the floor (10). 

Schussler says that Mag. phos. acts best when given in hot 
water. 

I use Mag. phos. 3d. 

MAGNOLIA GRANDIFLORA. 

Big Laurel (of the Southern United States), Yolotxochitl 

(of Mexico). 

(Magnolia — named after Peter Magnol, a French botanist.) 

First proved by Dr. Talavera, of Mexico, in 1885. 

Magnolia has pains of various kinds, muscular and articular 
rheumatism, especially the latter, the pains shifting (149) and 
with aggravation from damp air or weather (9). The pains 
affect the left side of the body in particular (125). 

The rheumatic pains are apt to affect the heart (162) and it 
has been used for endocarditis and pericarditis, valvular lesions 
and angina pectoris (107), with anxious palpitation and suffoca- 
tion, fear of death, perhaps with crampy pain in cardiac region 
and usually with pain from the heart running down the 1. arm 
(110). 

I have used Magnolia in the tincture. 

MANGANUM. 

Manganous Acetate and Carbonate. 

(The native black oxide of Manganese, a mixture of various 
oxides, which has been proved only by Lembke, is called Man- 
ganum Qxydatum Nativum.) 

Manganum was first proved by Hahnemann, who predicted 
great results from it in chronic ailments, and he hoped that it 
would have further proving. 

Hughes says: "It is a medicine which seems to deserve more 



MANGANUM. 585 

attention than is at present given to it," for it seems to be almost 
neglected by our school. 

It appears to be of especial use in anaemia (15) and laryngo- 
tracheal conditions, for paralysis of the lower extremities and for 
chronic skin lesions. There is an aggravation at night and during 
cold and stormy weather (9). 

In anaemic conditions the following from the Handbook will 
prove a clear and concise statement concerning its use: " Prepara- 
tions of this drug have been found very useful in general anaemia, 
almost taking the place of Iron, especially when there is tendency 
to early but scanty menstruation (135) or when there is tendency 
to menstrual discharge between the periods" (136). 

It has been used with success in naso-pharyngeal catarrh, with 
deafness or stoppage of the ears that is relieved on blowing the 
nose. 

The nose is obstructed with thick, greenish mucus and there is 
an aggravation of all conditions during cold, wet weather (142). 

In the throat, Allen says, it is "particularly valuable for 
anaemic persons who are predisposed to catarrhal troubles.' ' It 
is very useful in laryngeal catarrh, with hoarseness (118) and 
even aphonia, and the attempt to clear the larynx of the accumu- 
lation of mucus causes a sensation of rawness. Hughes, in speak- 
ing of it in " laryngo-tracheitis chronica, which is very common 
among persons who use their organs of speech a good deal," says: 
"The hoarseness depends upon the presence of hard and tenacious 
mucus, so that towards noon, when this has been cleared away, 
the voice is tolerably clear." 

The cough of Manganum is apt to become worse in the evening 
until lying down, not troubling the patient much at night. It is 
worse from talking (43) or reading aloud, both of which cause 
dryness and rawness in the larynx. 

It is very valuable for boys when the voice is changing, and 
especially when associated with catarrh and efforts to clear the 
voice. 

In phthisis of the larynx (191) it is useful as a palliative, especi- 
ally when there is rawness and great hoarseness. 

Manganum is to be thought of in articular rheumatism that 



586 MATERIA MEDICA. 

shifts from joint to joint (149), "generally crosswise" (Hering), 
with aggravation of the pain at night. 

It has received but little attention in reference to paralysis of 
the lower extremities, although we know that among workers in 
Manganese, or "used in large doses for a considerable period of 
time, it produces . . . progressive wasting and feebleness, a 
staggering gait and paralysis (paraplegia)" (Bartholow). 

Hughes differentiates this "from the paralysis of lead in not 
being associated with colic or constipation, and from that of 
mercury, in first affecting the lower extremities, and in not pre- 
senting tremors of the affected part." 

In reference to the skin symptoms, we quote the following 
from Dearborn: "In chronic eczema associated with amenorrhcea, 
aggravated at the menstrual period (138) or occurring at the 
menopause, this drug will sometimes afford relief when the more 
common remedies fail." 

I use Manganum 3d. 

MENYANTHES. 

Bog-bean — Buck-bean. 

(fxevidvOos, menianthos — ^v-q, mene — month; avOos, anthos, flower, 
from its reputed power in promoting menstruation, or because it 
keeps in flower about a month.) 

Menyanthes was first proved by Hahnemann, who says: "The 
smallest portion of a drop of the undiluted juice I have found 
to be an adequate dose for homoeopathic employment in every 
case; further experience will perhaps show that a further dilution 
will suffice for sensitive persons or children" (Mat. Med. Pura). 

Our tincture is prepared with equal parts by weight of juice 
and alcohol. 

In the head there is a feeling of heaviness or pressure, with 
aggravation on going up or down stairs or on moving (96) and 
especially a feeling of pressure downward on the vertex (103), 
relieved for a time by pressing downward with the hand (103). 
There is also a r.-sided neuralgic headache beginning in the 
occiput (100) and extending to the forehead, with relief from 
stooping (93) or from pressure (92). 



MERCURIUS VIVUS. 587 

In intermittent fever, the pronounced feature is the icy-coldness 
of the fingers and toes, extending to the elbows and knees (121), 
and associated with coldness of the tip of the nose (44). The 
chill of the paroxysm always predominates (121). 

In one case, in addition to blueness of the finger-nails (121), 
there was some thirst during the chill and pronounced thirst 
during the fever (121). In another case the coldness of the hands 
and feet began at 10 a. m., and was accompanied by pronounced 
palpitation, which lasted for an hour, or as long as the coldness. 

I use Menyanthes in the tincture. 

MEPHITIS. 

The liquid from the anal glands of the skunk. 

(Mephitis, a pestilential exhalation.) 

Mephitis was first proved by Hering. It is prepared by dis- 
solving one part of the liquid in ninety-nine of alcohol (87 per 
cent.), making our tincture, properly speaking, the 1st. 

The especial field for Mephitis is for spasmodic asthma (21) 
and spasmodic coughs, particularly whooping cough (48), worse 
at night, with mucous rales (45) in the upper part of the chest, 
a feeling of suffocation as if he could not exhale (25) and blue- 
ness of the face (47). The cough is violent and ends in vomiting. 

As far as I know, Mephitis is always used low. 

MERCURIUS VIVUS. 

Mercurius — Quicksilver — Hg. 

Metallic mercury is silver-white in color and at ordinary tem- 
perature is liquid, hence its name, liquid silver, or on account of 
its mobility, living or quick silver. 

Metallic mercury is occasionally found in nature, but it is ob- 
tained, for the most part, from Cinnabar, the red sulphide of 
mercury. This ore is heated and the mercurial vapors con- 
densed by an elaborate series of cooling chambers. The metal 
mercury freezes at — 40° F. or C, and boils at 662° F., but vola- 
tilizes at all temperatures above 66° or 68° F., and it is due to this 



588 MATERIA MEDICA. 

latter fact that we meet with so many cases of poisoning amongst 
miners, furnace-men or other workers in mercury, and that our 
records concerning its physiological action are so complete. 

Mercury produces in general profound anaemia, with degenera- 
tion of the red-blood corpuscles, loss of albumin and fibrin and 
diminished coagulability of the blood; with this there is a marked 
tendency to destructive action, as seen in the inability of wounds 
to heal and in ulcerations of mucous surfaces and of the skin. 

Among the first observed effects of mercury is the increased 
secretion of saliva, which co-exists with "fetor of the breath, 
swollen tongue, soreness of the teeth, a blue or dark slate-colored 
line along the margin of the gums with the teeth, soreness and 
sponginess of the gums, swelling of the parotid, sublingual and 
submaxillary glands, aching of the jaws and teeth, with general 
muscular soreness and some elevation of temperature. To this 
state are applied the terms acute mercurialismus ptyalism, or in 
common language, salivation" (Bartholow) "and when this con- 
dition persists for a time, ulceration of the gums, mouth and 
teeth take place and inflammatory processes seize on the roots of 
the teeth. 

"When patients were given large doses of mercury in former 
times, they were enjoined not to take water, since the chilling of 
the mouth and gums by cold water increased, in a very marked 
degree, the destructive action of mercury, so that, as this drug 
was used almost universally in the treatment of acute febrile 
disorders, the poor patients were not allowed the use of water" 
(Allen's lecture). 

This will explain the statement we still meet with amongst 
our older patients, that water is not permitted in fever, even 
when there is thirst. 

"Throughout the whole digestive tract the mucous membrane 
becomes affected, from the action of mercury, with catarrhal 
inflammation; gastro-enteritis results, with inflammatory symp- 
toms extending from the lips to the anus. Diarrhoea of course 
ensues, associated with colic and especially with tenesmus, and 
in older cases, haemorrhage. When the inflammation is violent 
and affects the lower portion of the intestinal tract, the symp- 



MERCURIUS VIVUS. 589 

toms are those of dysentery, the bloody stools being accompanied 
by a high degree of inflammation, secretion of mucus and with 
great straining. 

"The different preparations of mercury vary very much in 
intensity, and to some extent, in the character of the symptoms 
of inflammation of the gastro-intestinal mucous membrane. 
Calomel {Merc, dulcis) seems to act more upon the upper part of 
the intestinal tract, causing diarrhoea with much green mucus 
and with very little straining, while Corrosive sublimate {Merc, 
corr.) acts more upon the lower part of the intestinal tract, and 
the symptoms are more those of acute dysentery. 

11 Mercury produces inflammation of the liver and decreases 
the secretion of bile, ... for this is certain, that after the first, 
the irritating effects of mercury, the bile becomes largely dimin- 
ished and may even cease to be excreted, or at least to be poured 
into the intestine. The curative power of mercury over the liver 
which does not secrete the proper amount of bile, whether from 
intestinal inflammation or the occlusion of the common bile 
duct is undoubted. In both these cases mercury acts homceo- 
pathically, and there is no doubt that its wide reputation is due 
to this homoeopathicity, though its employment has been terribly 
abused" (Allen's lecture). 

A thing for us to keep in mind is the fact as to its retention in 
the system. Dunham says: " Metallic mercury has been found 
in every tissue of the body of those who have taken it as a medi- 
cine. Once introduced into the system it remains. In this 
connection we must remember that when mercury has been taken 
so as to produce its constitutional effects, and these have entirely 
disappeared, they may long afterwards be re-excited by the 
action of medicines, which, becoming decomposed in the system, 
form soluble compounds with mercury. One of these is the 
Iodide of 'potassium. 17 

On the kidneys u mercury produces a true parenchematous in- 
flammation. Frequently the interstitial tissue becomes involved, 
and chronic interstitial nephritis results. 

"One of the most common and characteristic effects of mercury, 
in a general way, is its ability to produce profuse perspirations. 



590 MATERIA MEDICA. 

All the mercury patients perspire easily without provocation or 
on the slightest effort. Indeed, persistent dryness of the skin is 
sufficient to contra-indicate mercury. 

"On the tissues generally this powerful drug exerts the most 
destructive influence. It destroys the power of the system to 
repair lesions, so that cuts will not heal nor broken bones unite. 
In the bones it produces inflammation of the periosteum, which 
will lead on to destructive metamorphosis and death of the 
bone" (Allen's lecture). 

"Instead of the ulcerations and inflammations," says Allen, 
in the Handbook, "nervous phenomena sometimes occur, par- 
alysis-agitans, epilepsy, melancholia and a remarkable chorea," 
and "one of the most singular phenomena in the whole range of 
drug action is exhibited in the power of mercury to produce 
tremors. Its action on the nervous system is one of the curi- 
osities of mercury. These tremors usually affect the muscles 
which are under the control of the will. These muscles respond 
to electrical action and are variously affected. The spasms are 
chorea-like in nature, and small objects held in the hand, for 
example, will be thrown violently across the room in the effort 
to carry anything to the mouth or to lay it upon the table. The 
muscles will not respond to the will. 

"Sometimes the tremors are so violent that the patient cannot 
lie in bed, the jerks will throw them out of bed, or throw them 
down when attempting to walk. With all these nervous disorders 
the patient has the most perfect consciousness. 

"Some of these tremors are wonderfully like paralysis-agitans, 
but yet they are different, at least I" (Allen) "have never been 
able to cure a case of paralysis-agitans by the use of any prepara- 
tion of mercury, nor indeed do I remember ever succeeding with 
mercury in a case of chorea. These tremors are sui generis, and 
it is very doubtful if we meet with a similar condition in any 
natural disease" (Allen's lecture). 

In the Handbook, Allen says, in reference to chorea, that 
mercury "may be indicated by the general cachexia of the patient 
rather than by the character of the spasms." 

In mercury the long bones are attacked rather than the flat 
ones (the opposite of syphilis). The iris is never affected. 



MERCURIUS VIVUS. 591 

Much that I have given you has been taken from a lecture 
by Dr. T. F. Allen, and published in the "Chironian" for 1889. 
The following is also taken from the same source and is well 
worth quoting in detail, as it treats of a more or less mooted 
subject. 

"I wish to call your attention/' says Allen, "to the remark- 
able fact, that among the thousands and thousands of persons 
who have worked in mines and factories, and have been poisoned 
by mercury, until their bones have decayed, no case of syphilis 
is known, and these people are not at all particular about their 
associations, and are much more inclined to sexuality than others, 
because mercury positively excites the sexual desire. These 
people cohabit with the vilest of the vile, and the knowledge is 
widespread among them that they are proof against syphilis 
and prostitutes flock to the towns around the quicksilver mines 
and find profitable employment, who would not be tolerated in 
other mining regions," and other miners are not especially 
squeamish either. 

"If we examine into the matter we find the following interest- 
ing facts: that syphilis attacks different bones from mercury; 
that mercury attacks bones and joints that are rarely or never 
attacked by syphilis. Among a large number of workers suffer- 
ing from caries, there was not a case of caries of the skull, tibia, 
clavicle or sternum, the bones which are particularly attacked 
by syphilis. 

"Looking for a moment at syphilis, we find that one of the 
most characteristic symptoms, one that is most sure to occur, 
is iritis, and we find that among all the thousands of cases recorded 
of mercurial poisoning, there is not a case of iritis. Moreover, 
there has never been known an instance of ulcer of the glans 
penis among the cases of mercurial poisoning, nor has mercury 
ever produced any ulcer with indurated edges. Mercury does 
not produce an eruption like that of syphilis; it does not produce 
the hypochondria of syphilis; indeed, it may be said that among 
the provings and poisonings there is scarcely a symptom of 
syphilis. 

"How, then, are we to explain the destructive power of mer- 



592 MATERIA MEDICA. 

cury over syphilis? We can explain it no more than we can ex- 
plain the protective power of quinine over malaria. If, however, 
the patient be once attacked by syphilis, mercury will not antidote 
or remove it any more than quinine will remove marsh malaria, 
indeed, not as much. Mercury more thoroughly protects the 
system against syphilis and more completely fails to cure it than 
quinine in marsh malaria. 

"Some of the most pitiable cases seen in our hospitals are 
those who have first become afflicted with syphilis and then 
become saturated with mercury; the bones that syphilis did not 
destroy are destroyed by mercury, the tissues not affected by 
syphilis are affected by mercury, and his last end is worse than 
his former. 

" Speaking of iritis, I must say that I do not now remember 
a single case of iritis in all my experience presenting symptoms or 
being benefited by any preparation of mercury that did not con- 
tain iodine." 

Merc. viv. is prepared for our use by trituration, at least up 
to the 3d. Hahnemann's preparation of soluble mercury — 
Mercurius solubilis Hahnemanni — or Merc, sol., as it is usually 
called, is made by dissolving metallic mercury in nitric acid and 
then precipitating it by caustic ammonia. It is probable that 
there is no essential difference in the effects of Merc. viv. and 
Merc, sol., and they are apt to be spoken of and used indiscrimi- 
nately. The preparation Merc. viv. is to be preferred, as it re- 
quires less care and labor to make it, is more stable and perfectly 
pure; and as Hahnemann abandoned the use of Merc, sol., pre- 
ferring in all cases to administer metallic mercury, or Merc, viv., 
it would be as well for us to do so. 

All the affections for which Merc. viv. is useful are worse at 
night and are accompanied by profuse secretions, especially of 
saliva and perspiration (185). 

The saliva is profuse (163), distasteful and of bad odor, and 
the patients, instead of being relieved by perspiration, are, on the 
contrary, made worse by it (185). 

Mentally, there is weakness of memory (133), anxiety and de- 
pression of spirits, "a fear that they will not get well" (Allen's 



MERCURIUS VIVUS. 593 

lecture), or a feeling of apprehension, as if he had committed a 
crime (53), with general irritability, but Allen tells us to place 
but little weight on the symptom " hurried talking," as found in 
heavy type in the Handbook, as it is seldom seen when Merc. viv. 
is the remedy. 

There is headache that is worse at night and with a sensation 
as if the brain were constricted by a band (105) or as if the head 
were in a vise. The scalp is tender to the touch (91) and the 
hair falls out, either as the result of the constrictive headaches, 
or " after seborrhceic affections" (Dearborn). 

In the eye Merc. viv. is of value in many inflammatory condi- 
tions, with general aggravation at night and from firelight. In 
catarrhal and scrofulous ophthalmias (76) as well as in ophthal- 
mia neonatorum we have muco-purulent discharges, which are 
excoriating, with soreness and burning of the lids. In ulceration 
of the cornea (77) we find a good deal of vascularity, the ulcers 
spread rapidly and there is danger of sloughing. 

There is pronounced aggravation from heat and from light, 
with especial intolerance of artificial light or the glare of the fire. 
This aggravation from firelight (74) has led to the successful 
use of the remedy in diseases of the optic nerve and retina, 
especially when caused by working in the glare of a bright fire, 
as in foundry-men, puddlers, etc. 

In the ear, Merc. viv. is useful in inflammatory conditions, 
boils (64), suppurations and ulcerations, with severe pains, 
worse at night. The discharge is offensive (63), purulent and 
bloody, and excoriating; and excoriating discharges are found 
everywhere under this remedy. 

It is of value in acute' and chronic catarrh of the middle ear, 
involving the Eustachian tube, with deafness (63), enlarged 
glands and may be sore throat, and it is of especial value for 
chronic catarrh of the ear and deafness following measles (63). 

In the nose we find the same tendency to ulceration and de- 
structive inflammations, with soreness of the bones when touched 
(142). The odor from the nose is offensive and the discharge 
excoriating and Merc. viv. is of value in ozsena (148) with these 
symptoms. It is frequently indicated in acute fluent coryzas 



594 MATERIA MEDICA. 

(37), with a thin, mucous flow that excoriates the nostrils (37) 
and perhaps with increased discharge at night. 

It is to be thought of for neuralgia of the face, the result of 
taking cold, with tearing pains, worse at night, and associated 
with salivation. 

As we have already said, the secretions are increased in Merc, 
viv., and especially noticeable is the increase of saliva (163) and 
it is a valuable remedy for the salivation of pregnancy (155), with 
soapy, slimy and stringy saliva. In aphthous stomatitis (140) 
we have superficial spreading ulcers and offensive ptyalism. It 
is a remedy useful for inflammation of the salivary glands, in- 
cluding the parotids, with swelling, soreness and perhaps suppu- 
ration, and very free secretions. 

The Merc. viv. tongue is swollen, flabby or (Edematous, and 
shows the imprint of the teeth as scallops along the edges 
(192). Besides its use in gastric, intestinal and hepatic condi- 
tions with the characteristic tongue, it has proved of value in 
glossitis, with severe pain and aggravation from any food or 
drink. 

The taste may be sweet, but it is usually metallic (1S6), cop- 
pery, or as if one had been holding a penny in the mouth. 

The gums are unhealthy, pale and spongy, bleeding easily 
from the slightest touch (84). The gums recede from the teeth 
(84) and there is an offensive odor from the mouth. It is of 
value for the condition of receding gums followed by decay of 
the teeth, which turn black (186), become loose (187) and fall 
out. 

The toothache is worse at night and from the warmth of the 
bed (187), with a tearing, pulsating pain. The teeth are sore to 
the touch and feel too long (187), and there is an increased flow 
of saliva. It is of value for dental periostitis, with formation of 
pus and soreness, looseness and elongation of the teeth. Ab- 
scesses at the roots of the teeth are often aborted by the use of 
this remedy (186). 

Various salts of mercury are of value in affections of the throat, 
each in its own sphere. Merc. viv. is useful in an ordinary 
catarrhal or inflammatory sore throat that grows worse towards 



MERCURIUS VIVUS. 595 

evening; it is frequently given for follicular tonsillitis, but 
another preparation of mercury seems to work better than the 
metal in this condition, and the same is true in reference to 
diphtheria. 

Usually in Merc, viv., whenever there is any throat trouble, 
there is pain or sticking as from a splinter (190) on swallowing, 
and an inclination to swallow every time one's attention is called 
to the subject, to see if it still hurts. (A differentiation that is 
frequently noticed between this and other preparations of mer- 
cury is that in Merc. viv. the pain is not severe and on asking if 
it hurts to swallow, or which side of the throat is affected, the 
patient will swallow before answering; in the other salts that you 
might use, the aggravation is pronounced and no unnecessary 
experiment is resorted to.) In all the mercuries one cause for the 
frequent desire to swallow is the increased flow of saliva. 

The ulcers calling for Merc, viv., wherever found, are super- 
ficial, not deep, and tend to spread rapidly. 

In the stomach and gastro-intestinal tract, external soreness 
(12) and inability to lie on the r. side are prominent symptoms. 
It is of value for enlarged and inflamed liver, acute or chronic, 
with jaundice (122), pain and soreness, aggravation at night 
and from lying on the r. side (8). It is useful for ascites (11) due 
to induration of the liver (127), for peritonitis and appendicitis. 

In catarrhal enteritis and other intestinal conditions of inflam- 
mation and ulceration, the stools nearly always contain mucus; 
they are green (59), scanty and excoriating, preceded perhaps 
by chilliness, and followed by burning at anus (61) and more 
or less tenesmus (61). With the diarrhoea we have in addition 
the nocturnal aggravation, the salivation and easy perspiration, 
and the flabby tongue. 

In dysentery it is indicated when there is slight fever but easy 
perspiration, and discharge of mucus and some blood; there may 
be prolapse of the rectum (160). 

The straining at stool in this remedy, the tenesmus, the never- 
get-done feeling, is midway between that of Merc, dulc, which 
has little or none, and Merc, corr., where it is very severe. 

In the bladder Merc. viv. is of value for cystitis, with dis- 
39 



596 MATERIA MEDICA. 

charge of mucus (199). There is frequent desire and great urgency 
but little is passed, with burning during (196) and especially after 
urinating (197). It is also to be thought of in gonorrhoea, with 
greenish mucous discharge and burning worse " between the 
urinary acts" (Carleton). 

We have already spoken of mercury producing a parenchemat- 
ous nephritis, and it is of value in this condition (124), even when 
due to pregnancy, when in addition to albumin, blood and casts 
in the urine, we have nocturnal aggravation, the swollen, flabby 
tongue, and the profuse salivation and sweat, but, as Allen says, 
"for the love of your fellow man, do not hasten to give mercury 
because you have made a diagnosis of croupous nephritis 7 ' (lec- 
ture). This protest was undoubtedly made because Merc. viv. 
or Merc. corr. have been used so frequently as routine remedies 
in croupous or parenchematous nephritis. 

Merc. viv. is of value in orchitis (188), the testicles swollen 
(188) and more or less hard, with paroxysmal pains worse at 
night, and for threatened abscess, with sweat of the genitals. 

In the female, it is to be thought of for ulcers and abscesses 
of the vulva and for ovaritis, with suppuration, nightly aggrava- 
tion and more or less tenesmus of rectum or bladder, or of both 
(22). 

Women who require Merc. viv. are prone to uterine haemorrhage 
and it is to be thought of for metrorrhagia in the aged (135). 

The breasts and nipples are swollen during menstruation (23) 
and it is said that instead of the menstrual flow we may have 
milk in the breasts. 

There is a greenish excoriating leucorrhoea (126) which causes 
itching, with burning after scratching (122), with increased flow 
at night (126) and after the menses. 

The cough of Merc, viv., which may be dry or loose, is always 
worse at night and from lying on the r. side (42). 

With these characteristics as a guide, Merc. viv. is to be thought 
of for chronic laryngitis and bronchitis, for pneumonia, usually 
of the r. side (151) and associated with hepatic disorders, and for 
chronic pleurisy, with sharp sticking pains in the chest (30) 
that are worse at night. 



MERCURIUS CORROSIVUS. 597 

In phthisis we would have a loose nocturnal cough and night- 
sweats (185), and in measles it is of frequent use with the excor- 
iating coryza, the cough and the nightly aggravation. 

Merc. viv. is to be thought of in articular rheumatism, with pains 
worse at night and from the warmth of the bed (160); the joints 
are swollen and pale, and sore to the touch, and there is a pro- 
fuse and offensive perspiration that affords no relief (161). 

On the skin it is of value for eruptions that are moist, bleed 
easily and tend to suppurate and ulcerate; it is of value to hasten 
suppuration (183) especially in glandular structures. 

The Merc. viv. patient is sensitive to cold air (5), yet per- 
spires on the least exertion (185); the perspiration is profuse, 
offensive, sometimes oily, and is debilitating. 

If we ever give this remedy for intermittent fever, the one guid- 
ing symptom would be that instead of feeling better when they 
begin to perspire, they feel worse during the sweating stage than 
at any other time of the paroxysm (121). 

Hep. s., Lack, and Nit ac. are antidotal; Silica is incompatible 
with Merc. viv. 

I use Merc. viv. 3d. 

MERCURIUS CORROSIVUS. 

Mercuric Chloride — Bichloride of Mercury — Corrosive 
Sublimate — HgCl2. 

Merc. corr. is similar to Merc. viv. in many respects, only its 
action is much more violent. 

In the eyes there is excessive photophobia and acrid lachryma- 
tion. It is of value in scrofulous (76) and pustular ophthalmias 
(76) and ulceration of the cornea (77), with burning (73) sore- 
ness of the eye. It is of value for retinitis albuminurica (76) 
and hemorrhagica (77). 

In the nose there is an aggravated Merc. viv. condition, the 
discharge smarting and burning (37). 

In the mouth, in addition to the indications for the metal, it 
is useful for "mucous patches" (141), with burning pain. 

In the throat, besides inflammation and ulceration, with burn- 



598 MATERIA MEDICA. 

ing pain and suffocation, remember it for inflammation of the 
uvula and arch of the palate, with great swelling (204). 

It is of value in laryngitis, with hoarseness or aphonia, burn- 
ing and stinging, but especially with great pain in larynx and 
epiglottis on swallowing food, as if a knife were cutting. 

In the dyspepsia calling for Merc. corr. we have soreness (12), 
especially along the transverse colon, burning (178) and disten- 
tion (13), with aversion to hot food (177) and desire for cold 
food. 

In the rectum we think of Merc. corr. for the tenesmus (61), 
which is almost constant day and night and not relieved by the 
evacuation. This is much more than a desire to strain; it is a 
necessity to strain and to keep on straining and the patient almost 
has to be dragged away from stool. 

It is of great value in the worst forms of diarrhoea and dysen- 
tery with constant desire, though but little passes and that little 
blood and mucus. This tenesmus of the rectum, which Allen 
says "is greater than that of any other drug," is usually associated 
with tenesmus of the bladder (22), cutting pains in the abdomen 
and burning at the anus (61). 

It is useful for cystitis and gonorrhoea, with extreme tenesmus 
and burning on urinating (194). It is frequently indicated in 
parenchematous nephritis (124) and many consider it of especial 
value when this condition is due to pregnancy. The urine may 
be suppressed (200), or is scanty and associated with great 
tenesmus and burning in neck of bladder and urethra. 

It is of value in Pott's disease (152) and other diseases of the 
bones, attended with destruction and the formation of abscesses, 
and especially when we have the nocturnal aggravation, easy 
and offensive sweats, etc. 

I use Merc. corr. 3d. 

MERCURIUS CYANATUS. 

Mercuric Cyanide — HgCy2. 

Merc. cyan, is so seldom used commercially in this part of the 
country, that in a celebrated murder trial, a few years ago, where 



MERCURIUS DULCIS. 599 

the claim was made that it was used with fatal effect, the prose- 
cution could find a record of but three bottles of it sold in as 
many years, in this vicinity, and two of them were still un- 
opened. 

Merc. cyan, has never been regularly proved, and what we 
know about it are the symptoms recorded from the four cases of 
poisoning that are found in Allen's Encyclop., and a few clinical 
reports from its use as a medicine. 

Hale, in speaking of Merc, cyan., says: "This drug is almost 
as poisonous as the Cyanide of Potassium. It may not kill as 
suddenly, but the sufferings of the victim are a hundred times 
more intense. In cases of poisoning by this agent, we have all 
the symptoms of Hydrocyanic acid, to which are added the terrible 
effects of Corrosive mercury. Worse than this, even, we have a 
picture of the most malignant forms of diphtheria." 

Its especial field, as we know it now, is for the treatment of 
diphtheria, characterized by extensive necrosis of the soft parts 
of the palate and fauces. The membrane is usually a whitish- 
gray. 

The case is a bad one (62) often from the start, the suddenness 
and severity of the attack frequently first directing your atten- 
tion to the remedy. Extreme prostration or threatening collapse 
(34) is another prominent feature, with small, rapid or inter- 
mittent pulse (110). There is an extremely fetid odor (62) and 
the disease is apt to invade the nostrils (62). 

It follows well after Apis. 

I use Merc. cyan. 6th. 

MERCURIUS DULCIS. 

Mercurous Chloride — Calomel — Hg2Cl2. 

Most of the pathogenetic symptoms were obtained from toxic 
doses, and perhaps on that account there are but few conditions 
to which we need call your especial attention to the remedy. 

In the eyes we must remember Merc, dulcis in scrofulous oph- 
thalmia (76) and ulcerations of the cornea (77). 

It is a valuable remedy for catarrhal conditions of the Eustach- 



600 MATERIA MEDICA. 

ian tube and middle ear (63), with stoppage of the Eustachian 
tube and deafness. So frequently is it used in this condition 
and so much relief does it afford, that it has been called the 
Eustachian catheter. 

In the bowels Merc, dulcis has the excoriating green stools, 
green as grass (59), associated with the enlarged glands, ulcerated 
mouth, offensive ptyalism (163), etc., of mercury, but differing 
in one important particular, there being little or no tenesmus. 
It is frequently called for in the diarrhoea of infants. 

I use Merc, dulcis 3d. 

MERCURIUS IODATUS FLAVUS— MERCURIUS 
IODATUS RUBER. 

There are two iodides of mercury, the yellow, Mercurius iodatus 
flavus (mercurous iodide, Hg2l2), usually called Protiodide of 
mercury or Merc, prot., and the red, Mercurius iodatus ruber 
(mercuric iodide, Hgl2), usually called Biniodide of mercury, or 
Merc. bin. 

Both these iodides are used in throat affections, ranging from 
simple follicular tonsillitis to diphtheria, and both are used in 
syphilitic conditions, Allen giving the preference in the latter to 
Merc, bin., as it contains more iodine. 

He speaks of it in this way: Merc. bin. "has been found useful 
by many physicians in true syphilis, which is doubtless due to 
the iodine in the combination, though the depressing effects of 
the mercury undoubtedly determine a more marked action of 
the iodine than would be obtained if the iodine were uncombined 
with it." 

Merc. prot. is of value in catarrh of the frontal sinuses (96), 
with offensive discharge from the nose and dull, boring, pressing 
pain over the eyes. It is also of frequent use for chronic catarrh 
of the posterior nares (143), with much thick mucus dropping 
into the throat and constant efforts to swallow. In throat con- 
ditions we find Merc. prot. given as beginning, or worse on the 
r. side, and Merc. bin. worse on the 1. side. Allen tells us that 
Mercury, having a preference for the r. side of the body and 



MEZEREUM. 601 

Iodine for the L, the greater proportion of Iodine the salt has, the 
more l.-sided it becomes, overpowering the r.-sidedness of mer- 
cury. But he also says, "that while this holds good in some 
cases, it is not a very safe guide in practice" (lecture). 

Merc. bin. is my individual preference in follicular tonsillitis, 
either side, and Allen says that there is in general more fever 
and more tendency to headache in the bin. than in the prot. 

Both iodides, and especially Merc, prot., have tongues with a 
thick, dirty-yellow coating on the back, or posterior portion 
(192), the anterior portion being more or less clean. 

I use Merc. prot. 1st and Merc. bin. 3d. 

MERCURIUS NITROSUS. 

Mercurous Nitrate — Hg2N03+2H 2 0. 

Our pathogenetic symptoms of this remedy are from the pois- 
onous effects of the solution. Clinically it is found to have 
Merc. viv. symptoms, with the addition of the sharp sticking 
pains of Nit. ac. 

In the eye it is of great value in various inflammations, especi- 
ally pustular conjunctivitis (76) and ulcers of the cornea (77), 
with burning and excoriating lachrymation, photophobia, great 
sensitiveness to heat or cold (5), sharp sticking pains and nightly 
aggravation. 

In the mouth and throat it is of use for syphilitic or "mucous 
patches" (141), with sharp sticking pains. 

I use Merc. nit. 6th. 

MEZEREUM. 

Daphne Mezereum — Mezereon — Spurge or Purge Olive. 

(Mezereum, from the Persian, mazariyun, the chamellia; Daphne, 
the laurel, or rather the bay-tree.) 

Mezereum, a shrub three to four feet in height, with very fragrant 
red flowers, is native of Northern and Central Europe. 

It was first proved by Hahnemann, and it is of interest to know 
that associated with him as one of the provers was Constantine 



602 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Hering, who at that time was a medical student at Leipzig. For 
many years members of the senior class of this college used to go 
to Philadelphia to call on and pay their respects to Dr. Hering, 
the eminent homoeopath and former student of Hahnemann's. 
Dr. Hering died in Philadelphia, July 23, 1880. 

Mezereum was first used by the old school in the attempt to 
find something to replace mercury in the treatment of syphilis. 
At the present time the best that they have to say of it is, that 
it is " reported to be useful in syphilis" (Ringer). 

We use Mezereum, with success, in certain syphilitic conditions 
and in periosteal pains, whether syphilitic or otherwise, but our 
most frequent call for the remedy is in cutaneous affections. 

Mezereum is useful for the bad effects of mercury (139) and 
it is an excellent antidote " especially," says Farrington, "when 
the mercurial poisoning has invaded the nervous system and 
neuralgia has developed." 

There is apt to be in Mezereum an aggravation from heat (8), 
and this is especially noticeable in the neuralgias and the skin 
lesions. 

In the head we have "bone pains in the skull" (Chr. Dis.), or 
pains involving the periosteum of the vertex and occiput, with 
sensitiveness of the parts to touch (91), but it is of particular 
value in neuralgia of the head and face. The pains may be 
burning, boring (106) or jerking and are worse at night and from 
heat (95). We have supraorbital (76) and infraorbital neu- 
ralgias, with great sensitiveness of the parts to touch (91), the 
pains followed by numbness (146). 

The pains often extend from the head to the eye, causing 
profuse lachrymation, to the teeth, involving both upper and 
lower jaws, and may even extend down to the shoulder. 

I can get no satisfactory description of these pains from any 
author that I have had access to. What has been given is from 
the Handbook and is the best that I could find, but it does not 
satisfy wholly as it fails to lay sufficient stress on the severity of 
the symptoms. 

I can add but little as I have never been able to get a good 
description of the pains from a patient. They appear to be 



MEZEREUM. 603 

overpowering and the most that the sufferer seems able to say, 
when you ask what the pain is like, is to use the word "awful." 

There is no excitement, as there is in Belladonna and Glonoine; 
they do not thrash around in bed, as they do in Chamomilla, nor 
walk the floor, as they do in Mag. carb. and Mag. phos.; they do 
not cry, as we see in Pulsatilla, nor lay all the blame on the doctor 
as we get in Ignatia, but they lie perfectly still and respond only 
to questions that can be answered by yes or no. 

You will find that the pains are on one side (on the r. it often 
seems, but the pathogenesis gives no one side a decided prefer- 
ence), or over the whole head; the teeth are apt to be affected, 
and if in addition I find that the malar bones are attacked (80) 
and very sensitive to touch, I feel that Mezereum is the remedy. 

It is very valuable for neuralgia of the face and head following 
herpes zoster (116). 

There is toothache, especially in decayed teeth (187), with 
burning, boring pains, involving the bones of the face and head, 
and temporarily better when drawing cold air into the mouth 
(187). It is of value for periostitis of the lower jaw, with swell- 
ing and burning pain. 

In the eye we have "twitching of 1. upper lid (79) and of the 
muscles of the r. cheek" (Chr. Dis.), which may or may not be 
associated with neuralgic pains. It is useful in ciliary neuralgia 
(75), with radiating pains, a feeling of cold air against the eye- 
ball (77) and especially with soreness of the bones of the orbit. 
It is also useful for ciliary neuralgia after operations, especially 
after removal of the eyeball. 

In the ear it is of value in chronic inflammation of the middle 
ear, with feeling as if cold air were blowing against the drum, 
and for eczema behind the ears (64), with itching that is worse 
at night and from heat. 

In ozsena (148) it is of great value, whether due to syphilis 
or not, with burning pains in the bones of the nose and face and 
sensitiveness to touch (142). 

It is useful in syphilitic ulcerations of the pharynx, larynx and 
oesophagus, with dryness, soreness and burning, which latter is 
relieved by drawing in cold air through the mouth. 



604 MATERIA MEDICA. 

In the stomach Mezereum presents at least one point of great 
interest, and that is in reference to gastric ulcer (181). Many 
cases of ulcer of the stomach have been cured or greatly relieved 
by this remedy, always with uneasiness, rawness or burning 
(178) in the stomach, temporarily better from eating (174), hence 
constant desire to eat. 

In the diarrhoea calling for this remedy, the stools are sour 
(59), watery and undigested (60), sometimes unaccompanied 
by colic, and followed by chilliness (61). This diarrhoea is often 
found in children having the Mezereum scalp eruptions, which 
will be spoken of later. 

In constipation the stools are dark brown and very hard (35), 
with a feeling as if they would split the anus on passing, followed 
by blood (34) and stitches in rectum, and at times with pro- 
lapsus (160). 

Mezereum is useful for gleet (83), with watery discharge, 
worse from exercise, and with soreness and burning, particularly 
in the anterior portion of the urethra. 

It is of value in periosteal inflammation of the long bones, the 
femur and especially the tibia, with soreness and intolerance of 
touch, and with violent burning pains worse at night. With this 
inflammation of the periosteum, there is tendency to erysipe- 
latous swelling and to suppuration. 

It is to be thought of for varicose ulcers (205) of the leg, sur- 
rounded by bluish-red discoloration (206), with great sensitive- 
ness, and the slightest pressure causes the most intense burning 
pain. 

Mezereum is of great value for herpes zoster (114), with great 
itching and burning and the characteristic eruption of the remedy, 
and especially for the neuralgia following herpes, whether inter- 
costal (120) or of the head (100) or face (116), with the general 
conditions of extreme sensitiveness to pressure, burning pains, 
and aggravation at night and from heat. 

We now come to the skin symptoms, which have been simply 
hinted at previously, but they are of sufficient importance to de- 
serve a place by themselves and are probably the most important 
group under the remedy. The eruptions are herpetic or eczema- 



MILLEFOLIUM. 605 

tous as a rule. They often ulcerate and form thick (66) and fat 
scabs (66), from under which there exudes thick, purulent mat- 
ter. This formation is especially noticeable on the scalp. 

There is intolerable itching, which is worse at night and from 
the warmth of the bed (122) and worse from scratching, which 
causes intense burning (122); the itching is usually relieved in 
the open air. 

It is very valuable for eruptions of the face and scalp, milk 
crusts, etc., especially when thick crusts form, which are loose 
and thick, yellow, purulent and excoriating matter collects under 
them; there is great itching, which is worse at night and from 
heat, and the child constantly removes these scabs by scratching, 
leaving raw and sore spots. With this eruption we have matting 
(88) and falling out of the hair. 

It is valuable for eczema on the backs of the hands (65) and 
wrists, and for psoriasis (158) of the palms, all with intense 
itching and aggravation from heat and scratching. 

Remember Mezereum for pruritus (156) of old people, the itch- 
ing worse after getting warm in bed, and temporarily relieved by 
drinking wine or coffee; at times with the itching there may be 
chilliness. 

I use Mezereum 6th. 

MILLEFOLIUM. 

Yarrow — Nose-bleed. 

(Millefolium — mille, a thousand + folium, a leaf.) 

Millefolium "is a very common herb, which amounts to a weed 
in old, dry pastures and along roadsides. It came to us from 
Europe, but is now fully naturalized" (Millspaugh). 

It was first proved by Nenning, one of Hahnemann's pro vers. 
Painless haemorrhages from all mucous surfaces is the chief if not 
sole indication for the use of this remedy. Haemorrhages, with 
profuse flow of bright red blood, which is thin. 

Hughes speaks of using Millefolium with benefit in recurring 
epistaxis, and its common European name — nosebleed — was given 
to it from the fact that the early writers claimed that haemorrhage 



606 MATERIA MEDICA. 

of the nose followed placing its leaves in the nostrils. Millspaugh 
questions whether this may not have been due to its direct irrita- 
tion, its leaves being saw-toothed. 

Among the especial indications for its use are: painless, bleed- 
ing piles (85), bright-red haemorrhage from the uterus, or 
" painless drainings (138) from the uterus after labor, after 
abortion, or when abortion threatens (13) if the blood be bright 
red and there are no pains in the joints. It also checks too pro- 
fuse menstruation'' (Dunham) (135). 

It is to be thought of for varicose veins (205) during pregnancy, 
and it is of value in haematuria (85) when it is painless. 

Millefolium is a remedy that you want to have with you when 
called to treat a case of haemoptysis (27). The blood would be 
bright red, and you would find oppression of the chest (29), 
palpitation and but little cough, and it is useful during the pro- 
gress of tuberculosis, the blood being raised without cough. Allen 
gives a valuable point here when he tells us that "the haemor- 
rhage," of Millefolium, "is only distinguished from that of 
Aconite by the absence of anxiety." 

Hughes warns us against using Millefolium too strong, saying 
that he has "seen drop doses of the tincture seriously aggravate" 
a haemorrhage from the lungs. 

I use Millefolium in the tincture. 

MOSCHUS. 

Musk. 

(Moschus, musk.) 

Moschus, the dried preputial secretion from the musk-deer,, 
was first proved by Hahnemann, who directs that it be triturated 
up to the 3d and from that made into the various potencies. The 
Am. Horn. Phar. speaks of the tincture of Moschus in the propor- 
tion of 1 to 20 of dilute alcohol. 

While Hahnemann says it is useful "in the smallest highly 
potentized doses," and adds that the 30th "is the appropriate 
homoeopathic dose," Hughes says, "I use the second and third 
decimal dilutions of the tincture. I believe that the odor of this 
medicine is of importance to its action." 



MOSCHUS. 607 

Moschus is a remedy adapted "to spoiled sensitive natures and 
hysterical women" (Hering), and a prominent symptom is the 
tendency to easy and repeated fainting; not one of those summer 
attacks that occur only when the hero is within reach, but the 
legitimate kind where she faints dead away from the least ex- 
citement, or from eating. 

It is useful in globus hystericus (119), with a sensation of a 
ball rising up to the throat, or where the spasm is ushered in by 
contraction of the throat and feeling of suffocation (25). 

Hughes says that he always carries Moschus in his " pocket- 
case, on account of its great value in two conditions demanding 
speedy relief. They are the hysterical paroxysm and nervous 
palpitation. I know nothing which so rapidly dissipates a hys- 
terical attack, even when it has gone as far as unconsciousness, 
as Moschus." 

The headache calling for Moschus is neuralgic or hysterical, 
better in the open air (92), worse from the warmth of a room 
(95), and is associated with a feeling of coldness as of cold 
poultices applied to the head (90). 

Many of the hysterical symptoms have their origin in some 
disorder of the female sexual system. There may be violent 
sexual desire and the menses are apt to be irregular, either "too 
early and too profuse" (Minton) (135) or we have suppression of 
the menses, with hysterical spasms (135), choking in throat and 
fainting (135). 

A large proportion of the cases requiring this remedy are asso- 
ciated with spasmodic constriction of the larynx and chest and 
a sensation of impending suffocation (25). 

It is to be thought of in laryngismus stridulus, or false croup, 
with crowing inspiration, especially in nervous women and chil- 
dren, the attacks excited by eating or laughing. 

It is of great value in spasmodic asthma (21), especially in 
hysterical people, and in attacks of sudden dyspnoea, with vio- 
lent cough, the chest filled with large amounts of rattling mucus 
(45) and with cramp-like suffocative constriction of the chest 
(27). It is also of value in threatening paralysis of the lungs 
(30), with great collection of mucus and great difficulty in ex- 



608 MATERIA MEDICA. 

pectorating it. In whooping cough (48) we would have the 
extreme suffocation and rattling of mucus. 

It is of benefit in nervous palpitation (111), with dyspnoea and 
deathly anxiety. 

In angina pectoris (107) calling for Moschus, we find extreme 
tightness of the chest and constant desire to take a long breath 
(107). 

I use Moschus 3x. 

MUREX. 

Murex Purpurea — Murex Brandaris. 

(Murex, the purple-fish; purpureas, purple-colored.) 

The coloring matter of this sea-snail, from the Adriatic and 
Mediterranean seas, is found near the neck of the animal and it 
is triturated for our use. The celebrated purple dye of the 
ancients was obtained from this and one other snail of this spe- 
cies. 

Murex was first proved by Dr. Petroz, of Spain, in 1841, with 
the 6th dilution on three women, each of whom were sufferers 
from leucorrhoea. Incorporated with the proving, the Encyclop. 
has the effects of the 200 fch dilution on two women as observed 
by Dr. Hering, of Philadelphia. 

The three most prominent symptoms of Murex are, the con- 
sciousness of a womb, acute pain in the r. side of the uterus, which 
crossed the entire body, and extended upwards to the 1. breast, 
and violent sexual desire. 

Allen says: "This drug has been used almost solely for pro- 
lapsus of the uterus (203), with pressure and bearing-down pains 
and with the particularly characteristic sensation of sharp pain 
extending upward to the breasts." 

The sensation of prolapsus may be so great that she must sit 
down and keep the thighs tightly crossed in order to obtain 
relief (203) ; or there may be a sensation of pulsation in the neck 
of the uterus, or soreness, with aggravation on sitting down. 

The sexual desire is greatly increased and is excited by the 
least touch. 

Dunham says: "The menses are delayed. After flowing a 



MURIATIC ACID. 609 

few days the menses cease, and after twelve hours re-appear" 
(136). Hering gives as the characteristic, frequent and profuse 
menstruation (135). 

Greenish-yellow or bloody leucorrhcea follows the menses (126). 

I have used Murex only in the 3d. 

MURIATIC ACID. 

Hydrochloric Acid. 

Muriatic acid was first proved by Hahnemann. 

It is a remedy that is not often used because, fortunately for 
us, the conditions calling for it are but seldom seen. 

In a general way, it is indicated in atonic conditions, with 
extreme prostration and want of reaction; in low typhoid states, 
with great muscular debility but with more or less restlessness 
(160). 

In diphtheria (62), scarlet fever (164) and typhoid (193) the 
fever is not very high, but we have muttering delirium (55), 
sordes on the teeth, dry and burnt-looking tongue, aphthous 
(140) and other ulcerations of the mouth, offensive discharges 
or haemorrhages from any orifice of the body, bed sores (21) 
and great prostration with tendency to slide down in bed (21). 

It has proved useful for dark-blue haemorrhoids (86) that are 
very painful to touch, with aggravation from cold water and 
relief from heat, and for haemorrhoids due to pregnancy (153). 

It is of value for carbuncles, offensive, blue-colored (206), 
varicose ulcers (205), epithelioma of the tongue (192), dark blue 
in color and with tendency to bleed easily, and it is said to be 
of benefit for freckles (82) although not so spoken of by Dear- 
born. 

I use Muriatic acid 3d. 

MYRICA. 

Bayberry — Wax Myrtle — Candle Berry. 

(Myrica — myro, to flow, as the plant grows near water.) 
Myrica, an indigenous shrub, growing to a height of from four 



610 MATERIA MEDICA. 

to eight feet along the Atlantic coast, was first proved by members 
of the Massachusetts Homoeopathic Medical Society in 1864. 
The berries yield a vegetable wax but for our tincture the bark 
of the root is used. 

There are but two conditions that I will speak of in reference 
to this remedy. 

First, as spoken of by Hale, "for all profuse catarrhal dis- 
charges of long standing." 

Second, for jaundice (122), with dull, heavy headache in the 
morning, "due," says Farrington, "to the imperfect formation 
of bile in the liver, and not to obstruction in the flow." 

I have used Myrica only in the tincture. 

NAJA TRIPUDIANS. 

COBRA-DE-CAPELLO — HoODED-SNAKE. 

(Naja, from nag, which is Hindustandi for snake.) 

This is the common cobra of India, a very venomous snake, 
the one usually used by the snake charmers there. 

Naja was first proved by Dr. Stokes, of England, and the 
account published in 1853. 

As we know the remedy at present, it has not an extensive 
range of action. It presents many symptoms similar to Lachesis, 
both having the aggravation from sleep. The inability to allow 
anything tight about the neck is more pronounced in these two 
remedies than in any of the other snake poisons, but as Lachesis 
is so much better known as well as more thoroughly proved, we 
are very apt to use it to the exclusion of Naja. 

Naja, says Hering, "acts primarily upon the nervous system, 
especially upon the respiratory nerves, the pneumogastric and 
glosso-pharyngeal. ' ' 

Naja is useful in hay-fever (88), after the stage of coryza and 
sneezing has mostly passed, and we have asthma (19) as a dis- 
tressing complication. There is suffocation on lying down, with 
necessity to sit erect in order to breathe (24). The suffocative 
spells are worse from sleeping (24). 

In diphtheria Naja presents a very similar picture to that 



NATRUM CARBONICUM. 611 

found under Lachesis. There is the same severe condition (62), 
dark red fauces (191), fetor and sensation of choking if anything 
touches the throat (191). 

After diphtheria it is to be thought of in threatening paralysis 
of the heart (62), the patient becomes blue, gasps for breath on 
waking, along with feeble, intermittent pulse (110). 

It is useful in organic disease of the heart after articular rheu- 
matism, with pain, palpitation and anxiety on waking; in angina 
pectoris (107), with loss of breath and inability to speak; and in 
persistent nervous (111) palpitation (111), without any valvular 
lesion. 

We have neuralgia of the 1. ovary (147), with palpitation and 
pain about the heart and Naja has a unique symptom, a sensa- 
tion as if the heart and ovary were being drawn together; noticed 
in neuralgic conditions. 

I have used Naja only in the 6th. 

NATRUM CARBONICUM. 

Sodium Carbonate — Sal Soda — Washing Soda — 
Na 2 CO 3 +10H 2 O. 

Natrum carb. was first proved by Hahnemann and five others, 
Hering being one of the provers. 

I must agree with Hughes when he says that "in spite of" an 
"extensive pathogenesis, Natrum carhonicum has found very 
little employment," although Farrington says, "in our practice 
the drug claims a high place, being something of a polychrest." 

While in many conditions, especially in those of a catarrhal 
nature, it is similar to Natrum mur., and usually supplanted by 
it as a remedy, still it has an individuality of its own, will fre- 
quently do its work more effectively than any other remedy, 
and if we refuse to employ it, we must put the blame where it 
belongs, on ourselves, rather than on the remedy. 

It is of first importance for troubles arising from hot weather 

and from the direct rays of the sun. We occasionally meet 

people, especially women, who, while they have never been 

"overcome by the heat" are in constant fear of it and have to 

40 



612 MATERIA MEDICA. 

remain indoors throughout the heated term as the sun has such 
an exhausting effect upon them. More frequently we meet with 
those who are suffering from the secondary effects from exposure 
to the sun, including sunstroke, with great debility. 

Both these classes of people want Natrum carb. and will bless 
you if you will give it to them; one lady was so extravagant in 
the use of her words as to say that the remedy had saved her life 
last summer and that she wanted another bottle for the coming 
hot weather. 

Natrum carb. is useful for vertigo from exposure to the sun's 
rays (207), for headache from exposure to the sun (98) or from 
working under gaslight, and with aggravation from the heat of 
the room (95), or from hot applications (95). 

The Natrum carb. patient is melancholy and apprehensive, 
shuns society, and music has a bad effect upon her, even, as Her- 
ing hastens to add, " by playing on the piano a short time." There 
is loss of memory (133) and great mental impairment, with inabil- 
ity to perform any mental work, especially when this is the result 
of overstudy (93). 

It is a remedy of value in acute, fluent coryza (37), with 
violent sneezing, and aggravation of the sneezing from the slight- 
est draft of air, even when undressing. In nasal catarrhs we have 
profuse discharge through the day and stoppage of the nose at 
night (40), with aggravation from any draft; and here as well as 
in the coryza, loss of smell and taste (171). 

Natrum carb. should occupy a more prominent position with 
us in reference to acid dyspepsia (178). We find sour eructa- 
tions (178), heartburn (179) after fat foods (177) and water- 
brash (179). According to Hering, we have " indigestion from 
vegetable diet, particularly starchy foods" (6); he also says, 
in reference to the sensation of goneness in the stomach or abdo- 
men (179), that this remedy has, that it is noticed "about 10 or 
11 a. m. (179), better after eating" (174). 

Associated with the distress in the stomach, as previously 
spoken of, which comes on directly after eating (177), we find 
mental depression (131), palpitation and violent beating of the 
heart (111). 



NATRUM MURIATICUM. 613 

The diarrhoea is watery and sour smelling (59), worse after 
eating (57) and especially from drinking milk (6). There is 
sudden urging, with gushing on expulsion (59), preceded by 
cutting pain in the abdomen and followed by burning (61) and 
soreness in anus and great weakness and sinking in hypogastrium 
(179). 

About the only thing that will interest us in reference to the 
respiratory organs is the cough, which is associated with burning 
in r. chest, and with greenish, salty expectoration (70); also 
cough on entering a warm room (41). 

In the lower extremities we have weakness of the ankles (71), 
pain in tendo Achillis and soreness of the soles of the feet (72), 
with swelling. Coldness of the feet (71) is prominent and 
Natrum carb. is one of two remedies having coldness between 
the scapulae (168). 

I use Natrum carb. 3d. 

NATRUM MURIATICUM. 

Sodium Chloride — Table Salt — NaCl. 

This is the remedy that causes the risus sardonicus in our 
opponents of the old school, and they ask why we should go to 
all the trouble to potentize this remedy when we can get sea- 
water that is already shaken up. The story would have more 
point to it, if it was our purpose to mix our remedies and in 
addition to our sodium chloride give the other salts and impuri- 
ties as found in sea-water; but as that is not our intention, we 
will have to worry along with plain Natrum mur. and be perfectly 
satisfied with it as a remedy, and with the results that it pro- 
duces. 

Hahnemann, who first proved Natrum mur., says that " there 
is hardly any pure experience of the real medicinal effects of 
common salt in diseases" (Chr. Dis.). 

While he had but little information as to its curative action, 
and not much more as to its bad effects when taken in excess, 
still he proved it, notwithstanding that he had before him this 
proposition, which his present-day opponents may not know 



614 MATERIA MEDICA. 

was considered by Hahnemann before they were even thought 
of ; this takes us back to about a year before their birth. Hahne- 
mann says: "If, as experience teaches, all substances that should 
have the power of healing diseases must, on the other hand, be 
able to affect injuriously the state of healthy men, it would be 
hard to see how all nations on earth, even those only half- 
civilized, should have daily used salt in not inconsiderable quan- 
tities, for so many thousands of years, without experiencing any 
deleterious effects on the human health (as indications of its 
healing powers), if it is really able to ultimate such effects openly 
and plainly. If we then assume that common salt in its natural 
condition shows no injurious effects on the human health, when 
used daily in moderate quantity, we ought not to expect from 
it any curative effects in disease. Nevertheless, the greatest 
medicinal virtues lie hidden within it" (Chr. Dis.). 

We now know that salt in excess does cause trouble, and we 
have in general a scorbutic cachexia, with marked tendency to 
an unhealthy skin and catarrh of the mucous membranes. It 
produces constipation, but increases the secretion of urine. It 
causes delayed and scanty menstruation and in most cases pro- 
duces a decided depression of spirits. It causes pronounced thirst. 

Some of the prominent features of Natrum mur., which will 
be given in detail under the various headings, are: 10-11 a. m. 
aggravation ; depression of spirits, with hopelessness of the future ; 
malnutrition, especially with emaciation of the neck; unquench- 
able thirst; constipation; scanty menstruation; greasy skin (169). 

Natrum mur. is a remedy to be thought of for the bad effects 
of the local application of silver nitrate, or lunar caustic, for pur- 
poses of cauterization. 

It is a remedy useful in marasmus (129) of infants and children, 
with great thirst and ravenous appetite (119), but owing to 
improper food, or to defective assimilation, there is general 
emaciation, noticed especially about the neck, which is very thin 
and shrunken. Associated with marasmus we have diarrhoea 
and greasy skin, or constipation, with bleeding after the hard 
stool (34). 

Mentally we find in Natrum mur. a condition of much interest, 



NATRUM MURIATICUM. 615 

in which there is general sadness, with either a desire to dwell 
upon past and unpleasant events, or with a hopelessness for the 
future (132). 

While we may have hysterical alternations of laughing and 
weeping, crying occupies the prominent position, and while they 
will cry if looked at, as they do in Pulsatilla, the more they are 
consoled the worse they get (132), Talcott saying, that the 
sadness of Natrum mur. is " aggravated by sympathy" and that 
there is an " aversion to men (a very abnormal feminine symp- 
tom)." 

It is of value in melancholia of anaemic women, who may have 
good appetite yet emaciate rapidly, who are constipated, have 
headache, palpitation and coldness about the heart; in the melan- 
cholia of puberty, she wakes in the morning with headache and 
apprehension as if something wrong was going to happen; in 
melancholia during pregnancy (131), where she imagines that all 
sorts of unfortunate things are bound to happen, a favorite 
topic being that the child will be marked, she knows it will. 

Talcott speaks of Natrum mur. as useful in " mental diseases 
of an intermittent type." 

It is of value in brain-fag (93), with inability to fix the atten- 
tion and irritability, and for vertigo, with tendency to fall for- 
ward, or to the left (207), and relieved by lying down. 

The headaches are severe, usually frontal, when there is a sen- 
sation of bursting (104), or in the temples, with throbbing (102) 
or hammering as from many little hammers, ''as from a thou- 
sand little hammers" is the way the patient is apt to describe it. 
We also have pain in the vertex as from a weight there (103) 
and better from pressure (103). 

The headaches are frequently caused from straining the eyes, 
hence it is to be thought of when occurring in school children 
(95), or from having read the night before, and one wakes in 
the morning with headache (95) and soreness of the eyes. 

It is useful for migraine (99), sick headache, with vomiting, 
and for so-called blind headaches (98), with blindness, every- 
thing turns black, and headache from nervous shock (97) ; also 
for periodical headache, that comes on with menstruation, or it 



616 MATERIA MEDICA. 

begins before the menses and continues throughout the period 
(95) and associated with vomiting, with desire to be alone and 
to be let alone. 

An important thing to remember in reference to Natrum mur. 
is that if there is fever with the headache, there is great relief 
from the pains when the patient breaks out into a perspiration. 

The headaches may come on in the morning on waking (95), 
may begin at 10 a. m., and Hering speaks of the remedy having 
a "sun headache (95), lasting from sunrise to sunset, better at 
midday." 

There is supraorbital neuralgia of the r. side (76) as well as 
a periodical neuralgia of the r. side of the head, recurring regu- 
larly at 10 a. m. every day and associated with vertigo, nickering 
before the eyes, faintness and goneness in the stomach; the pain 
is relieved on perspiring. 

Natrum mur. is useful in premature "falling of the hair from 
general lack of nutrition and local seborrhceic disorders" (Dear- 
born), also for "loss of hair following pregnancy" (Hering) (88) 
and for eruptions and eczema behind the ears (65) and on the 
scalp that extend to the border of the hair at the nape of the 
neck (65), with itching and smarting, worse from washing the 
parts with water (65). The discharge from these eruptions is 
glutinous and mats the hair (88), and the skin is red and sore. 

In the eye some of the symptoms read: Sensation as if sand 
were in them (77) in the morning; eyes give out on reading or 
writing; letters and stitches run together — and Natrum mur. is 
useful in many cases of muscular asthenopia (72) and is curative 
when the symptoms are aggravated by any use of the eyes, 
especially when there is burning or smarting, as from salt, when 
the vision becomes blurred after reading a little, or as previously 
mentioned, where one wakes in the morning with a headache, 
due to having used the eyes the night before. 

It is one of the remedies to be thought of for tumors on the 
margins of the lids and for ulcers (77) and pustules (76) on the 
cornea, and it is indicated in many cases that have been abused 
by the local application of silver nitrate. 

In the ear we have a catarrhal condition, with deafness and 



NATRUM MURIATICUM. 617 

various noises, especially cracking in the ears (64) when chew- 
ing. 

Many authors lay especial stress on the susceptibility of the 
Natrum mur. patient to catching cold from slight exposure (5). 
In the Handbook no symptoms of a higher class than patho- 
genetic ones in italics speak of this; but one of them it will be 
well to bear in mind, it reads: He easily takes cold in the head, 
must wrap it up, if it is uncovered during the day, he has stop- 
page of the nose at night. 

Natrum mur. is useful in coryza, either fluent (37) or changing 
to stopped (37), with feeling of dryness or with occasional sudden 
discharge of clear water, constant lachrymation and obstruction 
of the nasal duct, and loss of both smell and taste. In coryza 
and in hay-fever (88) we are apt to have dry, cracked lips and 
eruptions around the mouth of vesicles or of hydroa. 

It is of value in chronic nasal and naso-pharyngeal catarrh 
(143), with profuse, thick, yellow, mucous discharge, worse in 
the morning, general weakness, elongated uvula and especially 
loss of taste (170). 

As it is in the nose and pharynx that the use of silver nitrate 
is so prevalent, we want to remember Natrum mur. in many 
conditions found there, due to the abuse of the caustic. 

The gums are scorbutic and bleed easily (84) and there is 
general dryness and burning in the mouth and tongue (140), with 
vesicles and aphtha? (140) which appear on the tongue and cheek; 
the tongue is mapped (192) and the uvula is relaxed. 

Thirst is a general accompaniment of Natrum mur. symptoms; 
it is usually spoken of as unquenchable and the patients are 
almost as thirsty after drinking as they were before, very like 
the state of people who have eaten salt or salty food. 

We have acid (178) and sour (178) eructations, heartburn (179) 
and especially waterbrash (179) and at times vomiting of food. 
There is often a feeling of great weakness and sinking in the 
stomach (179), especially in the morning, as well as weakness of 
the abdominal walls and viscera, so that women have to sit down 
apparently to prevent prolapsus (203). 

The Natrum mur. patient is often constipated ; there is a sensa- 



618 MATERIA MEDICA. 

tion of constriction of the anus (158) and the hard, dry and 
crumbly stool is difficult to expel and causes fissures (159), bleed- 
ing (158) and smarting. 

If we have haemorrhoids (86) they are painful, stinging and 
smarting, and associated with oozing of glutinous moisture. 
We may have herpetic eruption about the anus, with itching 
(159), biting and burning and aggravation after washing the 
parts. 

The diarrhoea for which Natrum mur. is useful is a chronic 
condition (58), found not alone in children, with aggravation 
during the forenoon, or throughout the day. The stools are 
watery and profuse and cause burning in the anus (61). Asso- 
ciated with the diarrhoea we find the sadness of Natrum mur., 
weakness, general emaciation, especially noticeable about the 
neck, and a greasy appearance of the skin. 

Natrum mur. is a remedy to be thought of for seat worms (208) 
and Hering says it " lessens predisposition to have worms." 

As regards the urine, there is an increase of pale, watery 
urine; it is one of the remedies useful in polyuria (199), and in 
involuntary micturition on coughing (52) or sneezing. 

We must not forget the usefulness of Natrum mur. in gleet 
(83), especially after injections of silver nitrate, with soreness 
of the whole urethra and cutting and burning (194) after mic- 
turition (197). 

The menses in Natrum mur. may be too early and too profuse 
(135), or the intervals between each period may be too long (136) 
and we are apt to have headache coming on with the menses 
(95), or preceding and accompanying the menstrual flow. At 
times menstruation is associated with colic (138) and diarrhoea 
(138), and it must also be remembered for dysmenorrhoea from 
getting her feet wet (134). 

It is a valuable remedy for delay in the onset of menstruation 
(134) in young girls who are chlorotic (17), melancholy (135) 
and constipated; they are weak, want to sit, or lie down all the 
time, complain of backache and palpitation on the least exertion 

cm). 

It is useful for prolapsus of the uterus (203), with need to sit 



NATRUM MURIATICUM. 619 

down and cross the thighs (203), or, as we find in all uterine con- 
ditions requiring the remedy, with relief from lying on the back, 
with a pillow under the small of the back. 

The leucorrhcea is profuse (126), acrid (126) and greenish, 
causes itching and smarting and is usually accompanied by con- 
stipation, the stools hard and difficult to expel. 

In the vagina there is dryness, great weakness, sensitiveness 
on coition (205) and a mental aversion to it. It is useful in pru- 
ritus of the vulva (156), the itching relieved by rubbing and worse 
"in cold and wet weather, in the morning, after drinking tea" 
(Dearborn) and after bathing. 

The cough of Natrum mur. may be worse at night in bed and 
is apt to be caused by tickling that extends from the middle of 
the sternum up to the pit of the throat (44). The cough is dry 
and causes bursting headache (51) or shocks or hammering in 
the head, stitches in the chest (49), involuntary micturition 
(52), lachrymation (51) and palpitation (51). 

It is one of the remedies where we have fluttering (109), or 
intermittent beating of the heart (110). Except in chlorosis, 
where we find this fluttering, intermittent heart, we have as a 
usual thing in Natrum mur. violent palpitation (112), shaking the 
whole body, and worse from any exertion. 

It is a remedy of value in exophthalmic goitre (83) and in 
hypertrophy of the heart (110), the attacks of palpitation being 
worse when lying down, especially when lying on the 1. side (111); 
the patient is weak, has faint-like sensations, numb extremities 
(146) and cold hands (71). 

Hahnemann speaks of this remedy for "cold hands and feet 
which cannot get warm" (Chr. Dis.), and Hughes speaks of a 
"morbid coldness, either of the body or of its lower half," and 
comments on the calorific power of Natrum mur. when the system 
is depressed. 

We can think of Natrum mur. where the skin of the fingers 
becomes dry and cracked (71); the thread gets into these fis- 
sures and women find sewing a disagreeable task instead of a 
pastime (women are said to take to sewing as men do to smoking). 

There is a backache that is better lying down, with a pillow 



620 MATERIA MEDICA. 

under the back, the back feels broken ; and it is to be remembered 
for a paralytic condition of the lower extremities after fever, 
diphtheria (62) or excesses. 

We have already spoken of Natrum mur. in eruptions and 
eczema behind the ears and on the scalp down to the lower 
margin of the hair. It is also of value in eczema of the hands 
(65), bend of the elbows and knees (66), and scrotum (66), 
with itching, smarting and burning, and aggravation from bath- 
ing. The skin becomes raw and sore, with oozing of an acrid 
serum, which forms crusts and cracks. 

In intermittent fever Natrum mur. is an important remedy 
and the usual character of the paroxysm is as follows: Chill 
beginning at 10-11 a. m., preceded (121) and accompanied by 
great thirst and severe hammering or bursting headache (104). 
The chill is pronounced and may last an hour. 

The chill is followed by fever, with the same unquenchable 
thirst and headache; then profuse sweat which relieves all the 
symptoms (121), including the headache. 

We may have the chill beginning in the hands and feet, with 
blue lips and "blue nails" (Heriog) (121); we may have urticaria 
(121) during the paroxysm, or simply intense itching over the 
whole body at the onset. We may have profuse watery stools, 
coldness about the heart (109) and irregular pulse; or backache, 
or stitches in the hepatic region during the apyrexia, or facial 
neuralgia that takes the place of the paroxysm. 

Allen speaks of hydroa, or "fever blisters," as a good symp- 
tom but not characteristic of Natrum mur. in intermittent fever 
(121). 

We find in Hahnemann's Chronic Diseases this statement: 
"If there is then any proof convincing even the most dim- 
sighted, that the preparation of drugs, peculiar to Homoeopathy, 
opens, as it were, a new world of forces, which hitherto have 
been hidden by nature, this proof is surely afforded by the trans- 
formation of common salt, so indifferent in its crude state, into 
a heroic and mighty medicine." 

Natrum mur. is a well-proved remedy, and has had a thorough 
re-proving by the Austrian Society. It is a remedy that the 
majority of physicians use in the higher dilutions. 



NATRUM PHOSPHORICUM. 621 

Hughes, in his closing paragraph on Natrum mur., says: "As 
regards dose, I may cite the observation of Dr. Watzke, under 
whose superintendence the re-proving was carried out: 'I am, 
alas (I say alas for I would much rather have upheld the larger 
doses, which accord with current views) — I am compelled to de- 
clare myself for the higher dilutions. The physiological experi- 
ments made with Natrum muriaticum, as well as the great major- 
ity of the clinical results obtained therewith, speak decisively 
and distinctly for these preparations.' All subsequent experi- 
ence points in the same direction." 

I use Natrum mur. 30th or 200th. 

NATRUM PHOSPHORICUM. 

Sodium Phosphate — Na 2 HP04+12H 2 0. 

This and the following sodium salts are two of Schiissler's 
remedies. Natrum phos. has had, amongst other provings, one 
conducted by Farrington, but as the only symptoms that he 
speaks of in his Clinical Materia Medica are neither very nice 
nor very prominent, we will pass them by and confine ourselves 
to those symptoms having to do with an excess of lactic acid. 

There is acid dyspepsia (178) and gastralgia, with flatulence, 
sour eructations and " vomiting of fluid as sour as vinegar" 
(Hering). 

Schiissler praises it highly in the vomiting of sour curdled 
milk and sour diarrhoea (59) of nursing infants and in marasmus 
(129) with these accompaniments, and Hering adds, " infants 
who are bottle fed," those " suffering from excess of lactic acid, 
resulting from overfeeding of milk and sugar." 

I use Natrum phos. 3d. 

NATRUM SULPHURICUM. 

Sodium Sulphate— Glauber's Salt— Na2SO 4 +10H 2 O. 

Glauber's salt, discovered in 1658 by J. R. Glauber, a German 
chemist (d. 1668), is a well-known cathartic and a constituent 
of many mineral waters. 



622 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Natrum sulph. was first proved for us by Schreter, an Austrian 
physician, and by Nenning, an Austrian surgeon, the results 
being published in 1832 and 1833, respectively. 

Natrum sulph. stands out prominently as a remedy where all 
the conditions are worse from dampness (9). Dr. von Grauvogi, 
of Neuremberg, Germany, first called our attention to it as a rem- 
edy for what he calls the " hydrogenoid " constitution, or a con- 
stitution that is affected adversely by dampness, damp weather 
and places (9), and feels every change in the weather from dry 
to wet. 

Hering and Farrington continue von Grauvogl's definition of 
the " hydrogenoid " constitution by saying that the patient 
"cannot tolerate sea air, nor eat plants that thrive near water;" 
we can keep this latter definition in mind if we find occasion for 
its use, but the former, that all conditions are worse from damp 
weather, or from living in damp places or houses, we will have 
frequent need for. 

Natrum sulph. is also a great remedy for lithsemia, or the uric 
acid diathesis. 

Some of the symptoms of the remedy are better from being in 
the open air (9) and there is a decided aggravation from lying 
on the 1. side, especially in liver troubles (8). 

The earache of Natrum sulph. is of sharp, lightning-like stitches, 
worse from lying on damp ground, or during wet weather (64). 

While the toothache is "worse from warmth or hot drinks" 
(Hering), it is better from tobacco-smoke, cool air or holding 
cold water in the mouth (187). 

In nasal, post-nasal (143) and pharyngeal catarrhs, Natrum 
sulph. is of value, a leading indication for its use being that the- 
discharge is more profuse during damp or stormy weather (142). 
The discharge is naturally profuse, thick and tenacious (143); 
yellow or white in color. That from the nose is often streaked 
with blood and is offensive, both in appearance and odor; that 
from the throat is apt to be salty to the taste (70). 

There is a dirty grayish-green coating at the root of the tongue, 
bitter taste and thirst for cold drinks. There is nausea, more or 
less bilious vomiting, with bitter or sour taste and sensitiveness 



NATRUM SULPHURICUM. 623 

of the liver and aggravation from lying on the 1. side (8). It 
is useful in jaundice (122) and is one of the remedies to be thought 
of in lead colic (126). 

As in the other sodium salts, we find Natrum mur. useful in 
acid dyspepsia (178), with flatulence and heartburn (179). While 
the differentiation between the various salts of soda in acid 
dyspepsia would include many of their concomitant symptoms, 
we can keep in mind for ready reference in conditions of acidity: 

Natrum carb. — diarrhoea from milk; palpitation. 

Natrum mur. — goneness, thirst, emaciation. 

Natrum phos. — vomiting of curdled milk; flatulence. 

Natrum sulph. — general bilious condition; brought on or 
aggravated by dampness. 

The diarrhoea of Natrum sulph. is yellow, thin and watery, 
gushing (59), with much spluttering and often involuntary. It 
is worse in the morning, after rising and moving about (58), 
and is preceded by rumbling in the abdomen (11) and flatulent 
colic, relieved by kneading the abdomen (174). This colic is 
often worse when the stomach is empty, or as Hering so prettily 
puts it, " belly-ache in the morning before breakfast." 

The diarrhoea is often associated with stitches in the 1. chest, 
or in the liver, with soreness and pain in the region of the liver, 
aggravated by touch (12) or by any jar of the body. With the 
diarrhoea there is usually great desire for ice-water and aggrava- 
tion from drinking it (57). 

The stools are often involuntary when passing gas (59), aggra- 
vated from eating (57), from cold food and drink, from pie and 
" farinaceous food" (Hering) (6) and from dampness or damp 
weather (58). Remember it in chronic diarrhoea (58), the 
aggravations between rising and breakfast time, and from damp- 
ness being the leading indications. 

While there seem to be no especially characteristic urinary 
symptoms, we must remember that it is one of several remedies 
having an excess of uric acid in the urine (124), and the presence 
of this sediment, together with the gastric and rheumatic pains, 
will often help us in prescribing the remedy. 

Schiissler looks upon Natrum sulph. as the chief remedy in 



624 MATERIA MEDICA. 

diabetes (56), giving as the "special reason for its use deficiency 
of pancreatic secretion." 

Dr. von Grauvogl, who did so much towards enlarging our 
therapeutic application of this remedy, claimed that in the 
" hydrogenoid " constitution a gonorrhoea! history is "nearly 
always to be discovered" (Hughes). With this in mind, let us 
think of Natrum sulph. in chronic gonorrhoea (83), with aggra- 
vation of all symptoms during damp weather. 

The cough of Natrum sulph. is worse 3-4 a. m. (40), with sore- 
ness in the chest and with relief from sitting up and holding the 
chest with both hands (49) ; the cough is worse in damp weather 
(44), as is also the asthma (19), and both are aggravated at 
night on lying down. 

During damp weather we find shortness of breath, with desire 
to take a long breath, and oppression of the chest (29) that is 
better in the open air. 

Natrum sulph. is useful in paronychia, or run-rounds (163), 
with relief of the pains out doors and associated, perhaps, with 
the morning diarrhoea of the remedy. 

In the lower extremities we have "stiffness of the knees and 
cracking of the joints" (Hering) when moving (125), and it is 
useful for "rheumatic pains in limbs, with gastric symptoms" 
and for sciatica, with "no relief in any position" (Hering). 

Dearborn speaks of Natrum sulph. for "warts (208) on head, 
trunk or about anus, which first appeared after long or frequent 
exposure to dampness, or after gastro-hepatic disorder." 

I use Natrum sulph. 3d. 

NITRIC ACID. 

Nitric acid is a tissue remedy of wide application, but with a 
particular affinity for the skin and mucous membrane, and especi- 
ally where the skin and mucous membrane join, with a general 
tendency to destructive ulcerations, foul odor to all discharges, 
and with sharp, splinter-like pains. 

Hahnemann, under whose direction Nitric acid was first proved, 
says that it acts more beneficially in those of dark complexion 



NITRIC ACID. 625 

and hair (88) than in blondes. "It is also/' he says, "more 
appropriate to chronic patients who are inclined to soft stools, 
while it is seldom applicable to patients inclined to constipation" 
(Chr. Dis.). 

Nitric acid presents many points of resemblance to the lesions 
of syphilis and, as Hering says, it is useful in "diseases depend- 
ing upon the presence of syphilitic, scrofulous or mercurial poison; 
broken down, cachectic constitutions." 

In many particulars Nitric acid resembles Mercury, and in 
general it is indicated for the bad effects produced by an excess 
of Mercury (139). 

We find in Nitric acid a general aggravation from water on 
washing or bathing (8); there is general emaciation and great 
weakness, even to trembling (192), with necessity to lie down 
almost constantly. 

The epilepsy calling for Nitric acid has the attacks coming on 
at night or after midnight, beginning like a mouse moving up 
and down the 1. side. 

Many "of the symptoms of the drug are relieved by driving" 
(Dunham) and it has relieved epileptiform convulsions (66) 
that would come on at night on going to bed and where a long 
drive would keep off the paroxysm. The vertigo, which is 
noticed in the morning on rising as well as during the day when 
walking, is relieved while driving in a carriage. 

The Nitric acid patient is easily irritated by trifling occurrences, 
is inclined to be peevish, despondent and anxious about himself. 

"Externally the head is sensitive, as if contused, either all 
over or in certain spots, as, for example, on the spots pressed on 
when lying, or by the pressure of a hat" (Dunham). 

The headache of Nitric acid is as if in the bones, is "worse in 
the morning on waking or after rising," or at night, "better on 
lying down or from driving in a carriage" (Hering). There is a 
feeling as if the head were constricted by a band (105), or a feel- 
ing as if the head were compressed in a vise extending from ear to 
ear over the vertex (105). 

There is falling out of the hair, "particularly on the top of the 
head, due to congestion of blood to the head, from nervous 
headaches, debility or syphilis" (Hering). 



626 ' MATERIA MEDICA. 

On the scalp, we have moist, burning, offensive eruptions, 
itching more at night and " bleeding easily when scratched" 
(Lilienthal). The eruptions feel sore when laid upon, or from 
pressure and Nitric acid is of value after the abuse of mercurial 
ointments. It is of value in eczema, with crusts and scabs and 
burning or splinter-like pains, especially eczema at or about the 
muco-cutaneous outlets (65), as at the angles of the eyes, nose, 
mouth or anus. 

In the eyes it is of value for scrofulous or gonorrhceal ophthal- 
mia (76), with burning pains, and for ulcers on the cornea (77); 
and it is of great value in chronic syphilitic iritis (74), especially 
after overdosing with mercury. 

It is useful in caries of the mastoid (64), either syphilitic or 
mercurial. 

We have difficult hearing, " better when riding in a carriage 
or train" (Hering), cracking in ears when chewing (64) and 
obstruction of the Eustachian tube (65). 

Nitric acid is useful in acute coryza, with soreness of the nose, 
dryness and stoppage (39), and a too little used remedy in 
nasal catarrhs, with a sensation of dryness and obstruction 
anteriorly, the discharge mostly passing into the pharynx (143). 

The nasal discharges are fetid, and in syphilis or diphtheria 
involving the nose (62) the discharges are excoriating also. The 
angles of the wings of the nose (146) and corners of the mouth 
become sore and ulcerated, with soreness, sticking pains and bleed- 
ing on touch. 

We can think of this remedy in caries of the bones of the face, 
especially of the malar bones, with soreness and pain on touch 
as from splinters, and for cracking in the jaws when chewing 
(123). 

In Nitric acid, and especially in a mercurial cachexia, the gums 
are unhealthy and bleed easily (84), the teeth turn yellow and 
become very loose (187), there is salivation (163), sometimes 
even a bloody saliva, and a putrid odor from the mouth. 

It is a valuable remedy in ulceration of the mouth and inside 
of the cheeks, with great fetor. The ulcers are shallow and spread 
rapidly, like the ulcers caused by or calling for Mercury, but when 



NITRIC ACID. 627 

touched they have sharp, splinter-like pains. It is a most useful 
remedy for canker-sores (140), with the sharp, sticking pains, 
and it is especially indicated, as it seems to me, after an over- 
indulgence in sweets. 

It is one of the remedies to be thought of where the mucous 
membrane of the cheek gets between the teeth, so that he bites 
it when chewing (27); also in ulceration of the sides of the 
tongue (192), with tough, stringy mucus and sharp, sticking pains, 
he bites the tongue when chewing. 

It is a valuable remedy in syphilitic ulceration of the mouth 
and throat, mucous patches (141), and in all forms of sore throat 
for which we use the remedy, there is pain as from a splinter on 
swallowing (190) and much salivation. 

In diphtheria we have nausea and vomiting (due in part to the 
nauseating character and odor of the discharges), and a feeling 
of a foreign substance on swallowing, with sharp, cutting pain. 
It is a remedy to be thought of in rheumatic sore throat (162). 

Nitric acid is frequently indicated in troubles of the rectum 
and anus. There is pain in the rectum during stool as if something 
would be torn asunder, and stitches, sticking as from a splinter 
(or any other combination of words that will describe a worse 
pain), for a long time after stool, associated during and after 
stool with spasmodic constriction of the anus (158). 

It is of use for ulceration of the rectum, with severe pain long 
after the stool and for extensive ulceration following dysentery, 
especially after the use of local injections. 

It is of great value for fissures of the anus (159), with constant 
oozing of fetid moisture, frequent burning stools (61), followed 
by raw smarting, as if cut with a knife. If this description does 
not convey a proper idea of the severity of the pains, we can 
recall the statement made by a sufferer, who declared that a 
movement was " followed by a sensation as though the anus were 
filled with broken glass." 

It is of value for bleeding haemorrhoids (85) and especially for 
those that have ceased to bleed, but remain very painful and 
pendulous. 

If there is constipation, the stools are hard, scanty, perhaps 
41 



628 MATERIA MEDICA. 

enveloped in mucus (35), with painful burning in rectum after 
stool. 

In diarrhoea and dysentery the discharges are usually offensive 
and putrid (59), dark green (59) or watery and blood-streaked, 
with pieces of membrane looking like scrapings of the intestines 
(60). There is great pain, as of cutting, and burning during 
stool (61) and lasting for hours after (61), with, in the case of 
dysentery, great tenesmus (61) and frequent unsuccessful efforts 
at stool. 

The urine contains more or less blood and is strong smelling, 
like that of horse's urine (200), and Nitric acid is one of the reme- 
dies spoken of in the Handbook as useful in oxaluria (148). 

There is frequent urging to urinate, with scanty discharge and 
intense smarting and burning (194), which Hering describes in 
this way: " Burning in urethra and desire to urinate, with hope 
of relieving burning, which, however, is increased." 

It is of value for ulceration of the urethra, with burning and 
sticking on urinating, and for syphilitic ulceration and erosions 
of the penis and prepuce, especially when the ulcers spread rap- 
idly, bleed easily, and the pains are sharp and splinter-like. It is 
of value for condylomata on the prepuce (34), with offensive 
oozings and bleeding when touched, and it is to be thought of in 
orchitis (188), with pain in the spermatic cord running up to 
the abdomen. 

In the female we have a yellow, acrid (126), offensive leucor- 
rhcea (126), that follows the menses (126). We have erosions 
and ulcerations of the cervix (204), and inflammation of the 
cervix, with excrescences (202) having a watery, offensive, ex- 
coriating discharge, and a general tendency to uterine haemor- 
rhage. From these erosions and excrescences we may have 
persistent haemorrhage, or haemorrhage from the uterus, with 
pressure downward, pain in the thighs, strong-smelling urine 
and general weakness and anaemia. 

Nitric acid has a cough caused by laughing (41) or crying 
(41), with great weakness; or fatiguing cough worse the fore- 
part of the night, with suffocation, or with pain in the chest as 
if bound with an iron band (27), and with a tendency towards 



NUX MOSCHATA. 629 

tuberculosis. It has been used in some cases of phthisis, with 
hectic fever, soreness of the chest, haemorrhage from the 
lungs (27) and offensive (69), bloody, purulent expectoration. 
There is a chronic cough from the larynx, with stinging and 
smarting as if ulcerated, and it is useful in phthisis of the larynx 
(191), even with extensive ulceration. 

Nitric acid is a remedy to be thought of in bleeding warts 
(208) and in ulcers which spread rapidly, ooze an offensive pus 
and bleed when touched. 

It is useful for carbuncles (27), with putrid decomposition 
and tendency to haemorrhage, and for urticaria (201), with 
itching, smarting and especially burning. 

Lachesis is incompatible with Nitric acid. 

Nitric acid, low, must not be used in the form of a triturate 
or dispensed on pellets, as it will decompose the sugar, with the 
formation of oxalic acid. 

I use Nitric acid 30th. 

NUX MOSCHATA. 

Nutmeg. 

(Nux moschata — nutmeg, literally musced (scented) nut.) 

Why the use of this aromatic nut, in the kitchen, should be 
confined to the flavoring of milky and farinaceous preparations, 
I do not know. Ask your wife. 

Nux moschata was first proved by Dr. Helbig, of Germany. 

It is a soporific, characterized by marked tendency to attacks 
of syncope, with cardiac failure, cold extremities (71) and ex- 
treme dryness of the skin and mucous membranes. 

In general the skin is cold and dry, the patient never per- 
spires (186) and this dryness often extends to the mucous mem- 
branes, without thirst, and there is sensitiveness to cold (5), 
moist air (9). 

They faint readily in Nux moschata (80) either from any 
mental excitement or pain, or when the menses are suppressed 
from any cause (135), including pregnancy. 

They laugh readily from all slight causes, get hysterical, the 



630 MATERIA MEDICA. 

abdomen becomes enormously distended with gas (13), they 
get short of breath (25) and then faint. 

There is a nervous aphonia (117), with apparent constriction 
of the vocal cords, also aphonia from walking against the wind. 

Nux moschata has a headache, with a feeling of looseness of 
the brain (91) on moving the head or on walking, and a con- 
gestive headache associated with menstruation (95) or due to 
a disordered stomach (97). 

It is frequently indicated during pregnancy, not only for 
hysterical conditions with recurrent attacks of fainting, but also 
for the toothache (188) and the nausea and vomiting (153). 

We find indigestion, with sensation as if the food lay in hard 
lumps (179) in the stomach, with great distention of the stom- 
ach and abdomen, appearing even while eating (177) and due 
especially to anger (177) or unpleasant emotion, everything she 
eats seems to be converted into gas (177). This is apt to be fol- 
lowed by profuse, yellow, and undigested stools (60) of putrid 
odor (59). The movements are followed by faintness (58) or 
drowsiness. 

Nux moschata retards and suppresses menstruation, rendering 
the flow thick and dark. 

It is useful in suppression of the menses (135) from mental 
excitement or " getting wet" (Mint on), with drowsiness, faint- 
ness and cold extremities. It is of value for obstinate uterine 
haemorrhage, especially when associated with delayed men- 
struation, the flow thick and dark (136), with repeated fainting. 

Nux moschata is one of the remedies to be thought of for 
vaginal flatulence (205). 

I use Nux moschata 1st. 

NUX VOMICA. 

Poison Nut. 

(Nux, nut. If for vomica we substitute the word vomiter, the 
meaning of the second word is made plain.) 

Hahnemann, who first proved the remedy, says, in his intro- 
duction to it: " There are a few medicines, the majority of whose 



NUX VOMICA. 631 

symptoms correspond in similarity with the symptoms of the 
commonest and most frequent of human diseases, and hence 
very often find an efficacious homoeopathic employment. These 
may be termed polychrests" (Chr. Dis.), or a remedy that is indi- 
cated in and cures many diseases, and Nux vom. is a prominent 
polychrest. 

Whether the seeds of this East India tree were " known to the 
ancients is a disputed question. It is only within the last one 
hundred and fifty years that its value in medicine has begun to 
be recognized" (Dunham). 

Nux vom., from which the alkaloid Strychnia is obtained, is a 
remedy common to both schools of medicine and in both schools 
is often used in the same general class of cases, stomach and 
intestinal disorders. 

While it has clear-cut and well-defined symptoms, I doubt if 
there is another remedy in our Materia Medica that is used as 
often empirically or even without any reason at all as this one 
and it has passed into a current saying, that "when in doubt, 
give Nux." Like most proverbs, it is not to be commended for 
its scientific accuracy and it is certainly not in accordance with 
our law of cure. Probably we get into this careless habit from 
the fact that Nux vom. acts as an antidote for many remedies 
and that it is often good practice in beginning the treatment of 
a case just from old-school hands, which presents a very mixed 
condition and where we feel that many of the symptoms have 
been suppressed and that others that are present must be due to 
the drugs that have been taken and not wholly to the disease, 
it is often necessary for us to first give the patient a few doses of 
Nux vom. in order to clear up the case so that we may be enabled 
to prescribe intelligently on the symptoms that the disease alone 
presents. 

The most pronounced physiological effect of Nux vom. is spasm 
of all muscle fibre, voluntary and involuntary, characterized by 
hyperesthesia of the general nervous system (166). It acts 
chiefly upon the spinal column, affecting especially that portion 
which presides over the reflex function of the muscular system, 
with the result that "it excites muscular action, causing inco- 



632 MATERIA MEDICA. 

herent contractions to take place; it deranges the normal order 
in which muscular motions succeed each other" (Dunham). 

It acts on the entire gastro-intestinal tract and on the genito- 
urinary organs; it affects the vaso-motor nerves, with the result- 
ing well-defined paroxysms of chill, fever and sweat. It pro- 
duces very few tissue changes. 

There is in Nux vom. an aggravation of all symptoms early in 
the morning and from any mental effort. There is general relief 
from unbroken sleep, but aggravation when the sleep is disturbed 
(8) or when one is kept up beyond his usual time for retiring. 

In some conditions there is aggravation in the open air and 
they take cold from the slightest draft (5), with relief in the 
house or from warmth; in other conditions it is just the reverse 
and there is an amelioration of the bad feelings when in the 
open air. 

There is often found an aggravation immediately after eat- 
ing (177). 

The Nux vom. patient is preferably of dark complexion, with 
black hair and eyes (88); he is thin, easily irritated and dis- 
posed to be quarrelsome, Hahnemann giving it as "of an anxious, 
zealous, fiery, hot temperament' ' (184). 

On account of the morning aggravation, that is so common, 
his wife has learned to ask the fewest possible questions until he 
has had his breakfast, and to be sure that he has that meal ex- 
actly on the minute. If his wife makes no reply to his adjectives, 
it is quite possible that he will, later in the day, feel ashamed of 
his display of temper, but not enough so as to permit of a grace- 
ful apology; at the best, no more need be expected of him than, 
"I know I was cross and irritable this morning and I suppose it 
was wrong, but how can one help it when you ask such tom-fool 
questions." 

Nux vom. is adapted to high fivers and to moderate drinkers; 
to those who lead a sedentary life; to those who are constipated 
and who, when they do not have their daily movement of the 
bowels, take everyone they meet into their confidence. He is 
full of ideas as to how the world should be run, but as soon as 
things are altered, he has other changes to suggest. Bright light 



NUX VOMICA. 633 

and strong odors annoy and noise, loud talking, singing or music 
are unpleasant and Nux vom. is primarily a man's remedy. 

He is pessimistic, " inclined to commit suicide, but too cow- 
ardly to consummate his desires" (Talcott) and all these condi- 
tions are noticed especially after eating (131), in persons of a seden- 
tary habit, or in those who sit up late at night, and have alterna- 
tions of constipation and diarrhoea (34). 

The convulsions cured by Nux vom. are often epileptiform in 
character and are usually caused by indigestion (36) and are 
associated with reflex excitability. In apoplexy (18) it is to 
be thought of in a person of the Nux habit and especially for the 
resultant paralysis. 

We have vertigo, an intoxicated feeling (207) in the morning 
before breakfast, recurring, perhaps, after dinner. While many 
a Nux vom. patient, even those not addicted to alcohol, will feel 
that his or her vertigo or headache will be better after the custom- 
ary cup of coffee, still many conditions arise from its excessive use, 
and headache resulting from the abuse of coffee, or worse after 
a cup of coffee is common. 

We find headache in the morning on first waking (95) even 
before opening the eyes, with sensitiveness internally (91) "as 
if beaten with an ax," or a congestive, full feeling, with sensation 
as if it would burst (104), and with desire to hold the head or 
press it against something hard (92). The headaches are usually 
frontal, associated with a bilious condition (95), nausea and 
vomiting, sour or nasty taste. 

Nux vom. is of value in supraorbital neuralgia recurring regu- 
larly in the morning, and in infraorbital neuralgia, involving the 
face, with running of water from the eye or nostril of the affected 
side, the neuralgias being especially due to the abuse of coffee or 
alcohol. 

In the eye a guiding symptom would be the morning aggrava- 
tion. We find great photophobia in the morning (76), with 
burying of the face in the pillow, the forcible opening of the lids 
followed by a gush of tears (76), the photophobia disappearing 
later in the day. It is of value in atrophy of the optic nerve, 
and in amaurosis resulting from the excessive use of tobacco or 
alcohol it is the most prominent remedy that we have. 



634 MATERIA MEDICA. 

It is useful in earache (63), with hyperesthesia to sounds and 
intermittent pains worse on going into a warm room or when 
getting warm in bed (64), and for deafness due to a fresh cold, 
with roaring in the ears (65), headache, chilliness, sneezing and 
itching in the Eustachian tube. 

This itching or tickling in the throat end of the Eustachian 
tube (Handbook says L), where the patient tries in every way to 
get at it in order to scratch the place and so obtain relief, is a 
good indication for Nux vom. in a beginning coryza or in hay- 
fever (90). 

The coryzas are apt to be caused by exposure to dry, cold 
weather (37), with sneezing, crawling and stuffiness of the nose 
(39), itching and scraping of the throat, and with at first dry- 
ness of the nose followed by watery discharge. The stuffiness of 
the nose is worse in the house or in a warm room and is relieved 
in the open air (37). The coryza is oftentimes fluent (37) 
during the day and stopped at night, or the stoppage alternates 
between the nostrils, first one side and then the other becoming 
suddenly stopped or free (37); at night this stoppage is especially 
apt to be worse on the side on which he lies. 

Nux vom. is to be thought of for facial neuralgia, recurring 
periodically every morning (79). 

The toothache may be neuralgic, from taking cold (187); it is 
better from heat (187), worse from cold air (187), on taking cold 
water in the mouth (187) and especially worse immediately after 
eating (187). 

The prevailing taste in Nux vom. conditions is sour (186) or 
putrid according to our books; but the words used by patients 
to describe it depends upon the extent of their vocabulary, and 
I do not know of a remedy where such a variety of words is used 
to describe taste as under this one. 

Imagine the state of a man when he wakes late some morning 
after having spent the previous night "with some friends from 
the West," and you have some idea of the Nux vom. taste. " Bad" 
and "horrid" are customary terms, while "dark brown" is preva- 
lent; "like a motorman's glove," "like a parrot's cage" or "as if 
a colored family had just moved out," have been given me. 



NUX VOMICA. 635 

We have nausea with distaste for food, tobacco and coffee 
(5) and aversion to the smell of food or of cooking (6). 
When there is vomiting it is usually sour-tasting and sour- 
smelling. 

There is a general desire for stimulants in Nux vom. (9); 
the cocktail in the morning, so that he may be enabled to start 
the day, the appetizer before and the liberal use of condiments 
and hot sauces of all kinds with the meals, anything in fact that 
will irritate the poor stomach and force it to contract on its con- 
tents. 

It is my most frequently used remedy in atonic dyspepsia 
(178), with slow and imperfect digestion, fulness in the stomach, 
belching, etc., along with the peculiarity of the remedy, that the 
distress, fulness and eructations come on immediately after eat- 
ing (177). 

It is to be thought of in indigestion with sour and putrid taste 
and feeling as if the stomach knotted up, or as if the food lay 
like a stone in the stomach (179), but the distress is noticed right 
after they have finished eating or on leaving the table (177). 

It is of value in the nausea and vomiting, the morning sickness 
of pregnancy (153), for gastralgia or cardialgia, worse the least 
nourishment, the stomach seeming to contract painfully upon 
its contents; also for gastralgia, worse from light and better from 
hard pressure (175), and transiently better from vomiting. 

It is a remedy to always have in mind for gastritis or dyspepsia 
when caused by the habitual use of drugs, alcohol (176) and 
strong coffee, and for nausea and vomiting, or efforts to vomit, 
especially in the morning and due to previous abuse of the stom- 
ach in the way of a sinful use of food. 

The call by the system for Nux vom. serves as an illustration 
that all forms of wickedness are not to be punished exclusively 
in the next world. 

Headache is very apt to accompany the gastric conditions 
calling for this remedy and the headache, vertigo and vomiting 
are usually relieved after the patient has partaken of some stimu- 
lant, alcohol or coffee. 

Nux vom. is to be thought of in colic from indigestion, with 



636 MATERIA MEDICA. 

distention and pressure upward causing shortness of breath, and 
downwards causing desire for stool. This desire for stool, the 
feeling as if one could have a movement of the bowels if it was 
attended to at once, is, as we will find, a characteristic of the 
remedy in many conditions. 

It is useful in jaundice (122), resulting from fits of anger or too 
high living, for engorgement and other affections of the liver in 
persons who habitually use alcoholic liquors (176), especially if 
subject to constipation and haemorrhoids. 

There are numerous pathogenetic symptoms having reference 
to hernia (114), such as " weakness in ring as if a hernia would 
form" and "pain in ring as if a hernia would become incarcerated" 
that have led to the use of Nux vom. in strangulated and other 
hernia. Allen says, " numerous cases of apparently irreducable 
hernia have been reported as cured by this drug, which seems to 
relax the unnatural condition of the irritated muscle; in more 
recent hernias a complete cure is made by Nux vom., by restoring 
tone to the relaxed muscles which have permitted the hernia to 
protrude; this is especially true in infants who have hernia from 
extreme constipation or from crying, with colic and indigestion, 
especially if they are very cross." 

The diarrhoea calling for Nux vom., besides having a morning 
aggravation, would consist of frequent and small movements, 
associated with backache and a constant feeling as if there were 
more to be evacuated. It is useful in dysentery, with the above 
symptoms, along with severe tenesmus (61), discharge of bloody 
mucus, nausea and vomiting, the whole unpleasantness set up, 
perhaps, by the use of drugs. 

In constipation it is a remedy that is very frequently called 
for, especially for those of sedentary habits and who suffer from 
itching (159) or very painful haemorrhoids (86), as well as for 
people of intemperate habits, which includes not only those who 
eat or drink immoderately, but also the habitual user of cathar- 
tics (34). 

We have already said that one of the physiological actions of 
Nux vom. on the spinal cord is to cause incoherent contractions 
of muscular fibres; this is very noticeable on the intestinal tract 



NUX VOMICA. 637 

where we have inharmonious peristaltic action of the bowels, 
which instead of acting, as is usual, from above downward, 
throughout its entire length, acts only on a portion in this manner, 
while lower down no action at all seems to be going on, and still 
lower the peristaltic action is reversed, or acting from below 
upward. 

On account of this lack of harmony, we have frequent inclina- 
tion to stool, but the attempt to have a movement is ineffectual 
or unsatisfactory (34). This inclination is felt in the abdomen, 
it continues while at stool so that they strain and make every 
effort to obtain a complete result, and it continues after leaving 
the closet, so that they are apt to hurry back, feeling that they 
were discouraged too soon and that this time they will surely be 
successful. 

(Anacardium has also an inclination to stool that is ineffectual; 
Jaere the urging is felt more in the rectum and in addition the urg- 
ing leaves while at stool.) 

On the bladder Nux vom. is of value in a number of condi- 
tions, in general, characterized by frequent unsuccessful efforts 
to empty it. There is an extremely irritable condition, or a 
neuralgia of the neck of the bladder (22), with strangury (194) 
or frequent and painful efforts to urinate and discharge of only a 
few drops of burning urine, or we have a retention of urine with 
spasmodic closure of the neck of the bladder or paralysis of the 
bladder, as after childbirth (155), with or without dribbling of 
urine (22). 

It is of value in renal colic of the r. side (124), the pain extend- 
ing to the genitals (125), with frequent and ineffectual efforts to 
have stool and to urinate; and in hematuria (85) due to alco- 
hol or drugs, or from suppression of the hemorrhoidal flow or of 
the menses. 

The menses under Nux vom. are apt to be irregular, never 
appearing at the right time, usually too early, they may be too 
scanty (135) and of too short duration, or they may be too pro- 
fuse (135) and prolonged (135). It is to be thought of in dys- 
menorrhoea, with intense pain, crossness, pain in the sacrum as 
if the back would break, and especially with a constant desire to 
evacuate the bowels or bladder. 



638 MATERIA MEDICA. 

It is of use in recent prolapsus of the uterus (203) resulting 
from strain or from lifting, and associated with the bladder and 
bowel condition (203) so characteristic of the remedy, and it is 
frequently indicated during labor when the pains in the back 
run down the thighs or when the os is rigid (154) and will not 
dilate, but especially is it to be thought of when associated with, 
the constant desire for stool. 

Nux vom. has a dry, irritable cough from midnight to day- 
break or coming on towards morning, or violent cough before- 
rising (40), relieved by warm drinks (40) and sometimes accom- 
panied by involuntary micturition (52). There is a reflex 
cough, worse mental effort, or cough associated with indigestion 
(42) and worse after eating (41). 

It is to be thought of in asthma (19), worse towards morning 
(21) and after eating heartily. 

We have palpitation (111) on lying down after dinner and 
various troubles about the heart due to portal obstruction, and 
it may prove of value for angina pectoris (107) after the excessive 
use of alcohol or tobacco. 

Nux vom. may prove useful in stiff neck from cold (174), shock 
or fright, with morning aggravation. It is to be remembered in 
lumbago, with sensitiveness to cold and the gastric symptoms of 
the remedy, and aggravation in bed; the longer he lies the worse 
he gets; associated with this we have the peculiar symptom, 
which Hering places in the highest rank, "must sit up to turn in 
bed." 

We can accept the excuse of a doctor when he says "I am 
familiar with the symptom but have forgotten the remedy/' 
because we hope the same charity will be shown to us when we 
need it; but I do not know what should be done where one 
knows not only the symptom but also the remedy having it, 
yet refuses to use it. A young fellow came to me one day in the 
dispensary clinic with a lumbago having as a prominent symp- 
tom an inability to turn over in bed without first sitting up. 
I did not believe then that it was a legitimate pathogenetic 
symptom, but I do now, for in spite of all that I gave him, there 
was no cure or even relief obtained until Nux vom. was pre- 
scribed. 



NUX VOMICA. 639 

It is a remedy having formication (82) along the spine and 
it is useful in spinal irritation (171), with loss of power in the 
extremities, which go to sleep easily (71), and associated with 
numbness (146). 

It is of value in various paralyses, resulting from apoplexy 
(18), in high livers, and partial paralysis, with vertigo and 
nausea, especially in drunkards. It is also of value in partial 
paralysis of the lower extremities, from over-exertion or from 
being soaked, inside or outside (149), the legs cold and bluish. 

It is useful for acne of the face (14), the result of thoughtless 
eating or drinking, the skin being red and blotchy. 

In intermittent fever Nux vom. is frequently called for, with, 
as characteristic indications, morning paroxysm which antici- 
pates and blueness of the finger-nails (121). The chill, which 
may be preceded by headache or facial neuralgia (104), begins 
in the morning, 6-7 a. m. or 11 a. m. ; it is first noticed in the back 
(121), limbs or whole body, and is accompanied by yawning, 
aching and blueness of the finger-nails and hands. The patient 
wants to be covered during the chill, but cannot get warm; 
there is no thirst during this stage. 

Following this we have long-lasting fever (121), with thirst 
(121) and desire to keep covered (121) in order to avoid feeling 
chilly. The sweating stage is usually slight. The gastric and 
bilious symptoms of the remedy are usually present, especially 
during the apyrexia. 

We have already said that there was general amelioration of 
the Nux vom. conditions from unbroken sleep and aggravation 
of them when the sleep is disturbed and the time when they 
sleep, if they are not interfered with, is quite characteristic of 
the remedy. The patient is apt to be drowsy in the evening and 
is asleep soon after he gets into bed and awakens early, 2-3 a. m., 
feeling refreshed. He lies awake for some time and then falls 
asleep to waken from this with all the Nux vom. morning aggra- 
vations. "If I had not taken that last nap," he will say, "I 
would have been all right." 

Hahnemann was the first to call our attention to the fact that 
"its administration in the morning on an empty stomach is 



640 MATERIA MEDICA. 

attended with the most inconveniences in very sensitive persons, 
for it displays its most frequent and most severe symptoms imme- 
diately after waking in the morning." 

The dose that does the most good is the one taken just before 
retiring for the night. 

While both Nux vom. and Ignatia contain Strychnia, they are 
to a certain extent antidotal to each other. 

Acetic acid and Zinc should neither directly precede nor follow 
Nux vom. 

I use Nux vom. 1st or 30th. 

ONOSMODIUM. 

(ovoa-fm, onosma, from 6vo£, onoz, an ass; oa/xrj, osme, smell; 
2iSo£, eidoz, form, resemblance.) 

This North American plant is to be thought- of for occipital 
headache (100) that extends down to the nape of the neck and 
up over the vertex to the forehead. It is especially l.-sided and 
associated with dizziness and perhaps nausea. 

Preceding or following the headache we are apt to find pain in 
or over the eye. 

There is vertigo in Onosmodium, worse lying on the left side 
(207) or with the hands raised over the head. 

I use Onosmodium in the tincture. 

OPIUM. 

White Poppy. 

(Opium, wttlov, opion, poppy-juice.) 

The dried juice, the black opium from Smyrna, is not only the 
strongest but is the kind used for homoeopathic preparations. 

Hahnemann, who first proved Opium, naturally has a good 
deal to say in condemnation of its use as a pain destroyer, and 
declares that, "No medicine in the world has done more harm 
(with preliminary apparent relief) than this Opium" (Mat. Med. 
Pura). 

According to his view, only the primary effects of a drug are 



OPIUM. 641 

available for its homoeopathic application, although most of the 
symptoms that he has recorded are, as he tells us, secondary 
ones, and he says: "Opium is almost the only medicine that in its 
primary action does not produce a single pain. Every other 
known drug, on the other hand, produces in the healthy human 
body each its own kind of pains in its primary action, and hence 
is able to cure and remove (homceopathically) similar pains in 
diseases, especially if the other symptoms of the disease corre- 
spond in similarity to those observed from the administration of 
that medicine. 

"Opium alone is unable to subdue homceopathically, i. e., per- 
manently, any one single pain, because it does not cause in its 
primary action one single pain, but the very reverse, namely, 
insensibility, the inevitable consequence (secondary action) of 
which is greater sensitiveness than before, and hence a more 
acute sensation of pain" (Mat. Med. Pura). 

We will find as we study the remedy that pain does not occupy 
a prominent position in its pathogenesis. 

It was Hahnemann's idea at this time that the primary action 
alone, of a drug, gave us the symptoms on which to prescribe 
homceopathically, and while this is the view still held by some 
of our best men, the reading of Hahnemann's argument under 
Opium has not convinced me to that way of thinking. 

Right here I must tell you that the opposite action of drugs, 
notably diarrhoea and constipation, for which we may prescribe 
the same remedy, are considered by Hahnemann to be in many 
cases alternating effects of the primary action of such drugs, and 
not as primary and secondary action (see Organon, Sees. 115 and 
251). 

Dr. William Boericke, in a paper on Camphor, in the Trans- 
actions American Institute of Homoeopathy, 1905, says: "Hahne- 
mann's attempt, as he did at first and throughout the Materia 
Medica Pura, to utilize homceopathically only the so-called 
primary symptoms, soon led into difficulties and in the case of 
Camphor, to palpable limitations of its homoeopathic employment, 
and later to the practical, if not avowed abandonment of this 
division of drug action. The right view of drug symptomatology 



642 MATERIA MEDICA. 

is, of course, all important to us as a school, and in the very 
onset we must discriminate between the palliative and truly 
curative drug symptoms and uses; between the direct, so-called 
physiological action by means of a definite dosage on the one hand 
and the homoeopathic employment of these symptoms with the 
necessary sub-physiological dosage on the other ; the homoeopathic 
dose ranging anywhere from this sub-physiological base to the 
highest potency. 

"The other condition for a right view I judge is in accepting 
all pathogenetic symptoms, whether so-called primary or second- 
ary, early or late, such as are produced by attenuations, including 
also, though tentatively, curative symptoms, accepting all as 
legitimate symptoms for hom&opathic prescribing." 

Hughes, at the end of a lecture on this subject, says: "I have 
now, I think, said sufficient to acquaint you with the principles 
as to drug-action which will regulate the teaching on the subject 
I shall give in this place. . . . How far they are absolutely true, 
I cannot say; they are the best at which I can arrive at present, 
and that is all I can do. Our comfort is, that however we may 
shift in the progress of time and knowledge, homoeopathy, as a 
mode of healing, is not dependent on them. The relation it 
establishes is between the observed facts of drug-action on the 
one hand, and of disease on the other; and no alteration in our 
view of the meaning of either can affect it one whit." 

Hahnemann, in closing his remarks on this remedy, says: 
"Opium belongs to those medicines whose primary effects seldom 
admit of a homoeopathic application in human diseases; but 
when it is so a small portion of a drop of the decillion-fold (30th) 
potency suffices for a dose" (Mat. Med. Pura). 

While we seldom prescribe Opium, still as the conditions calling 
for its use are frequently severe ones, we must keep its prominent 
symptoms in mind so as to be ready for the emergency when it 
arises. 

Among the grosser physiological actions of Opium we find 
stupor and profound coma, with stertorous or apoplectic respira- 
tion and contracted pupils; later slow, feeble respiration and 
pulse, cool, moist skin, and finally death from failure of respira- 



OPIUM. 643 

tion. The larger the dose, the sooner the secondary effects 
exhibit themselves. "At first the pulse is increased in frequency 
and the respiratory movements are more rapid; but the cardiac 
pulsations soon diminish in number and force, and the respira- 
tions become sighing in character and more shallow" (Bartholow). 

More rarely, instead of the stupor and coma, Opium produces 
delirium and convulsions. 

Obstinate constipation, with diminished secretion and atony 
of the bowels, usually follows its administration, and retention of 
urine is common. A prominent symptom, as quoted from Hering, 
is, "painlessness with all ailments; complains of nothing and 
asks for nothing." 

There is, in cases requiring Opium, a general tendency to 
twitching of muscles (193) or tremulousness (192) of the head, 
arms and hands, with occasional jerks, especially of the flexors. 

It is indicated in puerperal fever (155) with approaching stupor, 
and in puerperal convulsions (155) with coma between the 
spasms, as well as in convulsions, especially from fright (36), 
the spasm ushered in with a loud cry, purple face and hot sweat. 
It is useful for the after effects of the fright (80), with delirium 
about the original cause, flushed face, sleeplessness and cold 
extremities. 

Complete stupor is the rule in low types of fever, with open 
eyes and mouth and rigidity of the muscles; this condition may 
alternate with delirium; he has hallucinations of sight, fear of 
small and hideous animals (54) and attempts to escape (53), 
with dark red face (207), respirations slow and sighing and invol- 
untary stools. 

Opium is of value in delirium tremens (54), with fear, and 
aggravation from the least amount of additional alcohol; also for 
those in whom a slight amount of stimulant will bring on an 
attack. 

It is of undoubted value in apoplexy (18) ; either the threaten- 
ing of drunkards, where the occiput feels as heavy as lead (107) 
and there is a tendency towards stertorous respiration, with 
spasmodic jerkings of the limbs, or in apoplexy when there is 
stupor and cold extremities. Dunham says: "We should hope 
42 



644 MATERIA MEDICA. 

more from Opium when the apoplexy had not been preceded by 
chronic symptoms of lesion in the brain substance," and Allen 
says: "It has frequently produced the most rapid and beneficial 
results in temporary paralysis, apparently resulting from serous 
effusions in the brain, and it is certainly of great value as a pallia- 
tive in cerebral haemorrhage." 

We have in Opium paralysis of the tongue (192) and pharynx, 
with great difficulty in articulation and inability to swallow. 

It is of great value in intestinal paralysis or obstruction, with 
tympanitic distention (13) and faecal vomiting, and, with these 
features, of value for painter's or lead colic (126). 

Constipation is the rule in these cases, and Hahnemann says: 
"Opium cannot stop the pains of lead colic until it has homoeopa- 
thically removed the obstinate constipation produced by the 
lead by virtue of its constipating primary action" (Mat. Med. 
Pura). " Opium produces," says Dunham, "a suspension of the 
secretion from the mucous surfaces of the digestive canal, e. g., 
the dry mouth and fauces. It probably, therefore, lessens the 
amount of excrement. It also paralyzes the intestines. These 
two actions combine to produce an obstinate constipation, an 
effect of Opium which is universally admitted, recognized, and, 
by allopaths, regretted." 

In the constipation calling for Opium, the stool is in small, 
hard balls (35) and there is complete inertia of the bowels, 
especially of the rectum, with no inclination for stool; in these 
cases gas accumulates in the upper part of the bowels (13) and 
causes great pain and distress. It is especially useful for the 
constipation resulting from the use of enemas of soap and water 
(34). It has cured intestinal catarrh, associated with constipa- 
tion, with discharge of large quantities of mucus, or the faecal 
stools completely enveloped in mucus (35), the indications for the 
remedy being, as Allen tells us, "complete atony of the lower 
bowel and the accumulation of hard balls of faeces." 

It is to be thought of in diarrhoea during typhoid fever, with 
"stupid comatose sleep and rattling, snoring breathing" (Bell), 
and in cholera infantum, with involuntary, offensive stools, great 
weakness and collapse, or when the discharges have been sup- 



OPIUM. 645 

pressed and the child has become unconscious (60), with insen- 
sible pupils and dark red face. 

Opium causes retention of urine, " perhaps, chiefly," says 
Dunham, "by blunting the sensibility of the lining membrane 
of the neck of the bladder, so that the fulness of the bladder is 
not recognized by the patient" (200). It is of value in retention 
of urine which "may occur in fever, in acute illness" (Dunham) 
or following fright or parturition (200). 

It is also to be thought of in amenorrhea and suppression of 
the menses from fright (81), when associated with great drowsi- 
ness. It has proved useful in threatened abortion (13), in "the 
latter part of pregnancy, from fright" (Hering), as well as in 
aphonia from the same cause (81). 

It is one of the remedies useful in threatening paralysis of the 
lungs (30), with short superficial respiration, and occasional 
deep breaths or sighs (25). It is to be thought of in bronchial 
catarrh, with dyspnoea and blueness of the face, suffocative attacks 
which waken from sleep (24), deep snoring respiration and great 
difficulty in lying down. 

As regards the sleeplessness (169) calling for Opium, it is 
especially indicated for so-called light sleepers, who remain 
wide awake for a long time after going to bed, with acuteness 
of all sensations, hearing especially; the least unusual noise will 
awaken her and it is a long time before she can go to sleep again. 

In the fevers calling for Opium, stupefaction is a pronounced 
feature. In congestive chills (31) we have stupor throughout 
the paroxysm, the heat followed by profuse hot sweat, which 
does not relieve the stupor (185). 

In intermittent fever the cold stage predominates (121); the 
chill is violent and may be followed by diarrhoea; as a rule, the 
patient sleeps through the fever and the sweat; the sweat is hot 
and profuse but does not relieve the stupor. 

You all know of the physiological use of Opium or of its alka- 
loids to deaden pain; you also know that its administration is 
not supposed to be curative as it simply "destroys", as Allen 
succinctly puts it, "the consciousness of suffering pain." You 
may not have thought that it is apt, not only to destroy the 



646 MATERIA MEDICA. 

action of our remedies, as any powerful agent is liable to do, but 
while deadening pain it destroys some symptoms and adds others, 
so that we, as Homoeopaths, are unable to determine what rem- 
edy is best suited to the patient. 

I have the greatest of sympathy for the sick, and it distresses 
me to see a person in pain, but for all that I will not use an 
opiate of any kind if I can possibly avoid it, for I not only feel 
that I am doing a wrong towards the patient (if I consider the 
case a curable one), but also from the fact that the minute I 
give an anodyne I begin to lose all interest in the case, and from 
then on my actions are purely mechanical. 

As to our position in withholding or giving an opiate, let me 
quote from Dunham, who says: "Do we never use Opium as a 
palliative in acute and very painful affections for which we have 
not found a specific remedy? I have twice thought it necessary 
to do so. On each occasion I regretted it. It did mischief. The 
patients, after a temporary relief, got worse, and then, after all, 
I found by hard study the proper remedy (as I ought to have 
done at first), and cured the cases, as I might and ought to have 
done in the beginning, without Opium, had I known enough. 

"In evidently incurable diseases, when the patient is moribund, 
as in cancer, etc., Opium may perhaps be given, but even in such 
cases, though there be no hope of recovery, it should be sparingly 
used. ,; 

I use Opium 3rd or 30th. 

OXALIC ACID. 

H2C2O4+2H2O. 

(ox^A-t?, oxalis, sorrel.) 

Oxalic acid, the acid of sorrel, was first discovered in the juice 
of the sheep-sorrel. 

In the older works of homoeopathy all the acids were placed 
under the letter A; this arrangement is no longer followed and 
they are now placed in their proper alphabetical order. 

Oxalic acid was first proved by Dr. Charles Neidhard, in 1844. 
Oxalic acid causes violent gastro-intestinal inflammation, with 



OXALIC ACID. 647 

irregular pulse, stupor and collapse, or convulsions. It paralyzes 
the motor centres of the spinal cord and causes apparent inflam- 
mation of the cord and its sheath. 

The important symptom for us to remember under the remedy 
is that the pains occur in short areas, half an inch to one inch in 
length, last only a short time, but are very violent. The symp- 
toms of the remedy usually intermit and then return in a dimin- 
ished degree. 

A condition that does not occupy a prominent place as yet under 
the remedy is that the symptoms re-appear as soon as he thinks 
of them (8). 

We find pains in the joints as from rheumatic gout, especially 
worse from sweets (6). In reference to disordered stomachs, 
we have salivation (163), tasteless eructations, burning in the 
stomach and vomiting, but of more importance is gastralgia, 
with a feeling of coldness between the stomach and umbilicus 
(178). 

In the diarrhoea of Oxalic acid the stools are profuse and watery, 
with frequent ineffectual urging, and worse from drinking coffee 
(57). 

As regards the kidneys and urinary organs, our principal use 
for the remedy is in oxaluria (148), especially when associated 
with general gouty symptoms and exhaustion. 

In the sexual organs, Oxalic acid is useful, in the male, for 
neuralgia of the spermatic cord (171), with terrible pains, worse 
from the slightest motion; in the female, we can think of it for 
amenorrhcea from taking cold (134) and associated with general 
asthenia. 

In the heart we have palpitation, " heart in a continual flut- 
ter" (Bering), coming on after lying down at night (111). It 
is useful in angina pectoris (107) when we have numbness of 
the limbs and pain in the cardiac region, worse from the least 
motion. The pains are severe, like short stitches, confined to 
a small spot and lasting but a few seconds at a time, or we have 
a sharp pain in 1. lung and heart, with forced expiration. 

The impression that I have of the character of the pains of 
Oxalic acid is the sensation as if a nerve were grasped or lifted 
by a pair of tweezers and then the tweezers slipped. 



648 MATERIA MEDICA. 

In neuralgia of the spine and in spinal irritation (171) requiring 
Oxalic acid, we have numbness (146) and weakness in the body, 
back and limbs, with coldness (71) and loss of motion of the 
limbs. The pains are darting and lancinating, noticed especi- 
ally in the 1. lung and about the heart, with jerking inspiration 
and forced expiration, as if trying to relieve the intense pain by 
emptying the lung. 

In locomotor ataxia (127) we have, either, violent pains shoot- 
ing down the extremities, with dyspncea and numbness, or pains 
confined to small spots and lasting only a few seconds. In all 
these conditions the attacks recur with periodical remissions. 

I have used Oxalic acid 3rd. 

PALLADIUM. 

While first proved by Hering in 1850, and with quite an ex- 
tensive pathogenesis, this metal has received but scant atten- 
tion. 

It seems to be a remedy especially adapted to women. It is 
similar, in some respects, to Plat, and mentally, while it has 
much less self-esteem, it has the same desire to "shine" in society 
and to be thought well of. 

The headaches of the remedy are across the top of the head 
and extend from one ear to the other (105), with a sensation as 
if the head were being swung to and fro, from behind forward, 
shaking the brain (91). 

The r. ovary is especially affected in Palladium (147), and it 
is useful in ovarian neuralgia (147), with shooting pains down 
the r. thigh and relieved by lying down, and associated with pain- 
ful micturition and sensation as if the uterus were prolapsed 
(203). There is soreness and induration of the r. ovary (147), 
with shooting pains up to breast or down to pelvis on the r. side. 

In uterine displacements we have constant pains in the back 
and hips and cold extremities. 

The leucorrhcea, which is transparent and jelly-like, is worse 
before and following the menses (126). 

I have used Palladium 3rd. 



PETROLEUM. 649 

PETROLEUM. 

Rock-oil. 

Hahnemann gave us 776 symptoms of this remedy, which 
Allen has increased to 950 by adding a few additional provings 
and the poisonous effects, when taken in quantities or from 
exposure to it in its manufacture. 

It is a remedy that well merits additional investigation, Allen 
saying that its action is "very complex and not clearly defined," 
while Hughes, in the little that he has to say concerning it, 
closes with this paragraph: "I commend Petroleum to your 
study as a medicine whose virtues have been as yet by no means 
exhausted." 

Its action is closely allied to all the carbons. The occipital 
headache, the nausea and vomiting and the skin symptoms will 
claim our especial attention. 

There is general relief from warmth (10) or warm air, and 
aggravation, especially of the skin symptoms, during cold 
weather, and Lippe says (the statement being accepted by Hering) 
that "many ailments originate or are aggravated during a 
thunderstorm" (9). 

Mentally, the Petroleum patient is timid and easily irritated and 
in delirium, noticed especially in low fevers, the patient has a 
fancy that another person is sick in the same bed with him (54) 
and taking up too much room, or in puerperal fever, that there 
were two babies instead of one, and that she would be unable 
to attend to both. Hering gives the additional delusion "that 
one limb is double." 

The headaches are severe; they are located in the occiput 
(100) or begin there and extend to the vertex, or the pain begins 
in the occiput and travels "over the head to the forehead" 
(Lilienthal) and eyes. Associated with the headaches we have 
stiffness of the muscles of the neck, a general feeling of numb- 
ness, pronounced vertigo which seems to be located in the occi- 
put, a feeling as if intoxicated (207) and aggravated by sitting 
up in bed (207) or by looking upward (207), along with nausea 
and vomiting. Rapid motion of the hands sometimes relieves 



650 MATERIA MEDICA. 

the pain in the head. There is often a sensation of pressure in 
the occiput or numbness, as if made of wood or as if heavy as 
lead (107). 

Petroleum is of value in seasickness (165), when, in addition to 
the nausea and vomiting, we have the vertigo, already spoken of, 
that is felt in the occiput and aggravated by raising the eyeballs, 
and the occipital headache. It is of great value as a prophylactic 
against seasickness, and I have had almost universal success 
with it by giving it hourly for two days preceding the time of 
sailing and then at more frequent intervals should the occasion 
arise. That there have been a few instances when it has not 
worked with perfect satisfaction may have been due to my 
using it in the 6th instead of the 30th. 

In the eyes Petroleum is useful for inflammation of the margins 
of the lids, blepharitis, with the formation of scabs and agglu- 
tination of the lids, giving the patient "a dirty look" (Dr. G. A. 
Shepard). It is also of value for lachrymal fistula (125). 

In the ears Petroleum is often called for. There is deafness, 
with occipital headache and pain in the ears as if water were in 
them; deafness, with roaring (65) and ringing in the ears, and 
pain running from the throat through the Eustachian tube to the 
ears (63). It is of value for eczema of the ears, with fetid dis- 
charge (63), greatly increased cerumen (65) and roaring, and 
for eczema behind the ears (64), moist or dry, with crusts and 
fissures. 

In nasal and post-nasal catarrh (143) we have a good deal of 
mucus and obstruction of the posterior nares, while in ozaena 
(148) we have, in addition, the formation of scabs (143) and 
cracks in the wings of the nose (146). 

Petroleum is to be thought of in pharyngeal catarrh, with a 
feeling of dryness, but with accumulation of much mucus, and 
with stinging and burning pains shooting through the Eustachian 
tubes to the ears on swallowing (184). 

There is a sensation of relaxation or weakness in the stomach 
(179) and in gastralgia, the pains come on whenever the stomach 
becomes empty. We have dyspepsia that is temporarily better 
from eating (174), and dyspepsia with violent pains extending 



PETROLEUM. 651 

from the stomach up into the chest (180) and accompanied by- 
nausea, all temporarily relieved by eating. 

The prevailing taste seems to be sour (178) or putrid as from a 
spoiled stomach. As regards appetite, neither desire for nor 
aversion to food is spoken of prominently, although Hahnemann 
records that while proving the remedy, "his stomach and diges- 
tion get spoiled from but a little food, especially from sour-krout 
and brown cabbage." 

Nausea, with or without vomiting, is prominent in many com- 
plaints calling for this remedy, and it is frequently noticed in the 
morning on waking and lasting all day. It is of value for the 
nausea and vomiting (153) as well as the salivation of pregnancy 
(155) and Lilienthal adds, that it is "applicable to all gastric 
troubles of pregnant women." 

It has a colic relieved by bending double (174) and gastralgia 
with a feeling of faintness and coldness in the abdomen (11). 

Petroleum is of value for haemorrhoids (86) and fissures in 
the anus (159), with great itching (159), and for diarrhcea occur- 
ring only in the daytime, and according to Bell, with "canine 
hunger after the stool." 

There is nocturnal enuresis (198) due to weakness of the 
bladder (21) and dribbling of urine after micturition (198) from 
the same cause. It is to be thought of in haemorrhage from the 
kidneys (85), with constant pain in the small of the back and 
frequent micturition, and in chronic interstitial nephritis (124), 
with the headache and gastric symptoms of the remedy. 

The menses may be too early, as regards the interval between 
each period, and the flow causes intense itching of the genitals 
(156). 

As regards the heart, a feeling of coldness in praecordial region 
is the most prominent symptom (109). 

Petroleum is of value in the eruption of secondary syphilis, 
"especially on the scrotum" (Dearborn), for psoriasis (158) and 
eruptions on the hands, with thick crusts and deep cracks, and 
especially for bleeding fissures on the tips of the fingers (71), 
which crack and become very sore. It is useful for eczema on 
the back of the hands (65), which become completely raw, with 



652 MATERIA MEDICA. 

burning, smarting and watery oozing, and here, as in other skin 
lesions calling for the remedy, there is aggravation during cold 
weather. It is to be thought of in herpes zoster (114) and for 
herpes of the perineum and scrotum, especially with itching, 
burning and rawness, the latter being a prominent indication for 
the remedy. 

It is of great value for fetid perspiration, especially of the 
axilla and feet (185), with tenderness of the latter from being 
kept so constantly moist. 

In intermittent fever Petroleum is to be thought of when we have 
the occipital headache, along with the nausea and vomiting, and 
in typhoid it will be indicated with the headache and mental 
symptoms of the remedy. 

I use Petroleum 6th. 

PHOSPORICUM ACIDUM. 

Phosphoric Acid — HPO3. 

Phosphoric acid was first proved by Hahnemann, who recom- 
mended its use in the 9th dilution. It produces a condition of 
general weakness, a quiet, apathetic state, without excitement, 
and a keynote for its use is mental and physical exhaustion (155). 

It is of value in the exhaustion of the mental and nervous 
systems from sexual excesses (167) or from excessive fatigue, 
and in neurasthenia or nervous prostration (156) it is apt to be 
one of the first remedies that we think of. The patients are in- 
different, too tired to think and any mental effort brings on a 
severe headache (93) ; they will give you short answers because 
it is too great an effort to try and collect their thoughts. 

In low fevers this condition is very pronounced, a quiet and 
apathetic, almost stupid state from which they can be easily 
aroused, only to sink back into it again as soon as you leave them 
alone. It is of great value for prostration following typhoid fever, 
and for the effects of mental shock, grief or an unfortunate love 
affair, following well, says Allen, after Ignatia. In homesickness 
(119), where the strains of "The girl I left behind me" have an 
especially depressing effect, it is of the first importance. 



PHOSPHORICUM ACIDUM. 653 

The headache of Phosphoric acid is severe, compelling one to 
lie down; it is located especially on the vertex as a crushing 
pain or as a pressure downward from a weight (103). The hair 
turns gray early (88), the result of prolonged mental strain or 
excessive grief, and is inclined to fall out. 

In deafness with roaring in the ears (65), Phosphoric acid is 
to be thought of when due to anaemic conditions (15). The face 
is pale, spotted with acne (14), worse on " forehead, nose and 
mouth; particularly in over-grown boys or girls with early sexual 
propensities ; or in older persons suffering from over-sexual indul- 
gence or abuse" (Dearborn) (167). 

The mouth and lips are dry, especially in fevers, with thirst 
and desire for something juicy, and the gums are apt to become 
swollen and bleed easily (84). 

In the stomach we have acid dyspepsia (178), with sour risings 
half an hour after eating (177), and the abdomen is usually dis- 
tended and tympanitic (13). 

Phosphoric acid is a valuable and frequently called for remedy 
in acute and chronic diarrhoeas (58), the stools whitish, or 
yellow, and watery. The movements are preceded by rumbling 
in the abdomen (11) and are more or less gushing (59). The 
first portion, which is mixed with wind, seems to pass as water 
through a narrow opening, with some force, and is followed by 
small pieces of faecal matter. The movements are painless, in 
low fevers often involuntary, and are not exhausting. The call 
for stool requires reasonably prompt attention, but other than 
the necessity of keeping within a short walk of a closet, the patient 
suffers no inconvenience from a Phosphoric acid diarrhoea. There 
is aggravation after eating (57) and especially from fruit (57). 

The urine may pass involuntarily in bed at night (198); it is 
a remedy having milky urine (199) with a white sediment con- 
sisting of phosphates, and it is to be thought of in phosphaturia 
(200). 

Phosphoric acid is frequently indicated in diabetes (56) not 
simply from the general symptoms of the disease, such as increased 
watery urine, great thirst and extreme weakness and emaciation, 
but especially, as Hughes points out, "in diabetes of nervous 



654 MATERIA MEDICA. 

origin." Allen says: "Its collateral symptoms of diabetes 
mellitus are pronounced and its curative power in that disease is 
undoubted." 

As an illustration of the views held by the old school, let me 
quote from Ringer, who says:." Phosphoric acid has been recom- 
mended in diabetes. Griesinger, who has carefully studied the 
action of this medicine, considers that it does more harm than 
good. He pushed the acid to the extent of an ounce daily, and 
found that this dose increased the sugar." When you consider 
that the dilute Phos. ac. of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia is ten times 
as strong as our tincture or 1st centesimal dilution, you will get 
an idea to what extent the drug was "pushed." We might look 
upon this as an additional proving of Phosphoric acid and at the 
same time offer up a prayer of thankfulness that there is a method 
of practice other than that taught by the old school. 

Phosphoric acid is of great value for the recent or remote effects 
of excessive seminal emissions, whether licensed or otherwise. 
Among the general results are vertigo, brain-fag (93), impotence 
(167), spinal anaemia, weakness in the small of the back and 
heaviness of the lower extremities. It is of value, says Hering, 
for " onanism when the patient is distressed by the culpability 
of his indulgence," for involuntary seminal emissions (167), either 
when asleep, when straining at stool or after urinating, and for 
orchitis (188) with great sensitiveness of the parts to touch; all 
of these conditions being associated with the mental and physical 
exhaustion so characteristic of the remedy. 

The woman needing Phosphoric acid is anaemic (15) or chlor- 
otic (17), with complete indifference to everything, and suffering, 
perhaps, from prolapsus of the uterus (203), the result of her 
general weakness. Menstruation is usually too early and too 
profuse (135), accompanied "by profuse urination and followed by 
exhaustion (138) and profuse leucorrhoea (126). It is to be 
thought of in tympanitic distention of the uterus (205), it feels 
"as full of wind" (Hering). 

The cough of Phosphoric acid is usually loose and seems to come 
from the stomach (44) ; it may be spasmodic and due to tickling, 
as from a feather (43), from the larynx to the middle of the 



PHOSPHORUS. 655 

chest, or from irritation as from dust, which extends the whole 
length of the trachea. The cough is worse morning and evening 
and after sleep, as well as from cold air (40). It is to be thought 
of in broncho-pneumonia (51), with profuse secretion, or expec- 
toration of mucus in small balls (69). 

In the heart it is often of use in a form of nervous palpitation 
(111) resulting from self abuse or sexual excess (111). 

Phosphoric acid is to be thought of in growing pains in children 
(84), and it is of value in caries of the lumbar vertebrae (207) 
and in hip-joint disease (117). A characteristic sensation, especi- 
ally in scrofulous diseases, is as if a bone were being scraped 
with a knife, and aggravation of the pain at night. 

It is a remedy of very frequent use in typhoid fever and may 
be indicated throughout the disease where the feeling of exhaus- 
tion is your leading symptom. In severe cases we have, in addi- 
tion to the weakness and prostration, inability to protrude the 
tongue or to articulate distinctly, and a tendency to slide down 
in bed (21). We may have light stupor or quiet delirium, dry 
lips and tongue, with a red streak down the center of the latter 
(192), nosebleed, tympanitis, involuntary stools and low tempera- 
ture. It is indicated in the non-restless type of typhoid (193). 

I use Phosphoric acid in the tincture. 

PHOSPHORUS. 

Phosphorus was first discovered in, and made from urine (1669). 
One hundred years later it was discovered that it was an in- 
gredient of bones. Phosphorus for our use is made from bone ash. 
An excess of pure Phosphorus is mixed with 95 per cent, alcohol 
and the decanted liquid represents one part to a thousand, or the 
3x dilution. This is the strongest preparation of Phosphorus of 
our school. 

Phosphorus was first proved by Hahnemann and it is a tissue 
remedy of the first rank. Let me quote from the Handbook in 
reference to its general line of action so that we may get an idea 
of its extensive range. 

"It inflames and causes degeneration of the mucous membrane 



656 MATERIA MEDICA. 

of the entire alimentary canal, causing gastritis, entero-colitis 
and dysentery, all characterized by destructive processes and 
haemorrhage. It inflames the kidneys. It causes acute yellow 
atrophy of the liver as well as a subacute hepatitis. It causes 
inflammation of the whole respiratory tract and pleuro-pneu- 
monia." (Phosphorus is one of the drugs that has produced 
pneumonia, the lungs being in a state of gray hepatization.) 

"It produces an inveterate myelitis, with consequent paralysis. 
It destroys bone, particularly attacking the jaw and tibiae. It 
disorganizes the blood and produces haematogenous jaundice. 
It causes fatty degeneration of every tissue and organ in the 
body, predisposing to haemorrhages," "the haemorrhage being 
due," says Bartholow, "to fatty degeneration of the arterial 
walls." 

The typical Phosphorus patient is tall and slender, with white 
skin; he is weak, inclined to stoop and of a haemorrhagic diathesis. 
There is general aggravation in Phosphorus from sweets (6), 
from wetting the hands and feet (8) and from lying on the 1. 
side (8). There is a general sensitiveness to and aggravation 
from cool, damp weather (9) and an aggravation of certain 
conditions during hot weather. 

Great mental and physical exhaustion (155) is an important 
and prominent symptom under the remedy; great apathy, too 
tired to talk or to make any exertion; brain feels tired and as if 
he could not get it rested, with more or less vertigo and trembling 
of the limbs (192). 

It is of value in nervous prostration (156) with a feeling of 
weariness of life, and in brain-fag (93), with a sensation of cold- 
ness in cerebellum (90), heaviness and congestion of the head, 
or with shocks or snaps in the brain, following a nervous strain. 
In softening of the brain (149) we have vertigo, stupidity, slow 
answering of questions and a constant tired feeling. 

There are various delusions in Phosphorus that occupy a second- 
ary place among the pathogenetic symptoms, although they are 
given more prominence clinically; one, an exaggerated sense of 
one's own importance (54) or of his riches; another, that he is 
in several pieces and cannot fit himself together (54), or that 



PHOSPHORUS. 657 

there are faces leering at him from over the footboard of the bed, 
through the windows, or trooping in the room whenever the door 
is left ajar. 

Phosphorus is to be thought of in neuralgia of the brain, with 
rush of blood to the head (103) and general aggravation after 
washing, and in headache, with sensation of fulness or as of heavy 
pressure on top of the head (103). 

The hair in Phosphorus falls out in circumscribed areas (88), 
with or without the association of dandruff (53). 

Phosphorus is of value for numerous lesions of the retina and 
optic nerve, with halo around the light, black specks before the 
eyes (77), or flashes of light (78) or a red appearance of letters 
when reading. It is useful in muscular asthenopia (72), with 
dull pain deep in the eye after reading; in paroxysms of night- 
blindness (76), with sensation as if everything were covered 
with a mist (78) or veil, and noticed especially after sexual ex- 
cesses; and in retinitis albuminurica (76), especially in a person 
of hemorrhagic diathesis. In cataract it is of undoubted value 
in arresting the progress of the disease (73), Allen saying, "the 
general condition of the patient sufficing to indicate the remedy." 

In the ear there is a dry condition of the tympanum, with 
deafness and re-echoing of one's own voice (65). There is found 
prominently, " hardness of hearing as regards the human voice 
but not for musical tones; noises and musical tones are recog- 
nized much more readily than the modulations of the voice" 
(Houghton). 

In the nose it is to be thought of in nasal polypus (145), the 
characteristic of this remedy being that the polypus bleeds easily 
and profusely. Fanlike motion of the wings of the nose, while 
breathing, is found under Phosphorus as well as under Lycopod. 

Workmen who are exposed to Phosphorus vapor are apt to suffer 
from necrosis of the maxillary bones; it affects them only when 
the bone is denuded or exposed, and is especially liable to attack 
those who suffer from carious teeth. Nowadays all workers in 
match factories are subjected to frequent examinations of the 
teeth, and as soon as any decay appears, it is attended to. 

We use Phosphorus with success in necrosis of the lower jaw 
(123), dental fistula (187) and in caries of the nasal bones (142). 



658 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Phosphorus is of value in a haemorrhagic diathesis, haemophilia, 
a bleeder, and we often find a predisposition to haemorrhage in 
those patients to whom we are giving the remedy for other 
troubles. The blood in these haemorrhages is very fluid and diffi- 
cult to coagulate, and a prominent symptom under Phosphorus 
is, "much bleeding of small wounds," such as persistent haemor- 
rhage after drawing a tooth (187). Surgeons hesitate about 
operating on such a patient, if they know of the condition, and it 
might be well to put "a bleeder" on Phosphorus for a time in the 
endeavor to overcome such tendency. 

Phosphorus is of value in haemorrhage of the stomach (208) 
and in gastric ulcer (181), with relief from the vomiting by drink- 
ing cold water (174), as well as in gastritis and the vomiting of 
pregnancy (153), a general indication being that the vomiting is 
temporarily better from ice or cold drinks but as soon as the 
water becomes warm in the stomach the vomiting is renewed. 
In gastritis there may be cutting pains as from knives, a sensa- 
tion of constriction, so that the food does not seem to enter the 
stomach, or burning (178) extending to the back (180) and asso- 
ciated with a sense of great external weight or pressure over the 
region of the stomach. Associated with the burning pains we 
may find a weak, empty feeling (179), which Hering speaks of as 
a "goneness, as if stomach had been removed." 

The gastric troubles of Phosphorus are worse in hot weather 
and while in these conditions we are apt to have thirst, as a rule 
the Phosphorus patient is not thirsty, or they feel too tired to make 
the exertion necessary to get a drink. 

Phosphorus is one of the few remedies of value in diseases of the 
pancreas (149), and we would have as characteristic indications, 
greasy stools, or stools with little particles looking like tallow or 
like cooked sago (60). 

In the liver many conditions call for this remedy, including 
cirrhosis (127), suppurative hepatitis, with hectic fever and 
night-sweats, and acute yellow atrophy or malignant jaundice. 
We must keep in mind that while nearly all fatal cases of poison- 
ing by Phosphorus present an almost exact picture of malignant 
jaundice, the remedy has had little or no effect when used in that 
disease. 



PHOSPHORUS. 659 

Hering speaks of Phosphorus for " disordered livers in men 
invalided from tropical climates" and it is an important remedy- 
in fatty degeneration of the liver (127), "due to heart disease or 
dependent upon caries of the vertebrae or of the hip-joint" (Far- 
rington). 

In the rectum we have bleeding haemorrhoids (85), with a 
small stream of blood with every stool. 

We have involuntary stools whenever anything enters the rec- 
tum, and paralysis of the sphincter (160), the anus being always 
open (we can imagine the consequences). As an illustration of 
one of the general aggravations of the remedy, there may be 
desire for stool whenever the patient lies on the 1. side. It is to 
be thought of in chronic diarrhoea (58) that is painless and 
worse in hot weather (57); the stools are fetid (59) and may 
contain white particles looking like mucus or mutton-tallow (60). 

Phosphorus is useful in hematuria (85), especially "from 
debility after sexual excesses" (Hering) and it is one of the few 
remedies having either a milky white urine (199) or one with a 
fatty film rising to the surface (199). In croupous nephritis 
(124) it would be indicated when, in addition to the usual con- 
tents, the urine contained fatty casts, and in diabetes (56) it is 
of value when phthisis is an accompaniment. 

As regards the sexual organs, we can think of Phosphorus in 
the male for sexual excitement followed by weakness and impo- 
tence (167) and in the female for nymphomania (146) associated 
with sterility (173). 

It is of value in amenorrhcea (134) in young girls who are grow- 
ing too fast, in vicarious menstruation (138) and in membranous 
dysmenorrhcea (138). The menses are apt to be too early and 
too profuse (135) and followed by great weakness (138). It is 
of value for menorrhagia or metrorrhagia in nursing women. 

In the lungs Phosphorus presents many points of interest. 
There are symptoms of a general tubercular diathesis to be found 
throughout the whole symptomatology of the remedy, and the 
typical Phosphorus patient is tall and of slight build, with white 
skin and delicate or refined tendencies (refined as regards his or 
her surroundings). In addition, there is a general sensitiveness 
to cold weather and to open air (5). 
43 



660 MATERIA MEDICA. 

In phthisis we are apt to find oppressed breathing from a sen- 
sation of a weight on the chest (29), a predisposition towards 
haemoptysis (27), inability to lie on the 1. side, tendency to pain- 
less diarrhoea and general mental and physical indolence. 

In pneumonia it is not indicated until the fever has mostly 
subsided, when we have difficult breathing and fan-like motions 
of the wings of the nose (146), from a sensation of a heavy load 
resting on the chest, and aggravation of all symptoms from lying 
on the 1. side. 

With the cough calling for the remedy, especially if the lar- 
ynx is involved, we are apt to have hoarseness, worse from talking 
(117), with sensitiveness of the larynx, and this hoarseness may 
amount to almost an aphonia on account of the pain caused by 
talking. 

The usual cough is hacking, worse at night and when lying 
on the back (42) or on the 1. side, and Phosphorus is the only 
remedy spoken of at all prominently in the Handbook as having 
cough aggravated by lying on the 1. side. 

A more or less frequent symptom under this remedy is a hack- 
ing cough that is caused by any excitement or by the presence 
of strangers (42); it will frequently happen that when you ask 
the Phosphorus patient how his cough is he will cough before 
answering. We may have a violent cough, with involuntary 
micturition (52), also a chronic cough that seems to start from 
the pit of the stomach (44). 

The expectoration is frothy (69), bloody or blood-streaked 
(69) (rusty or prune juice). 

Phosphorus is to be thought of in fatty degeneration of the 
heart (109) and it has also, palpitation, worse on lying on the 1. 
side (111). 

It is of value in spinal irritation (171), with burning between 
the scapulae (168), or a "feeling of intense heat running up back" 
(Hering); in locomotor ataxia (127) with burning in spine, ex- 
haustion, formication (82) and tearing pains in the limbs; and 
in general neuritis, with numbness (146) and feeling of constric- 
tion in the extremities (165). 

Phosphorus is of value in hemiplegia, with paralysis of the face 



PHYTOLACCA DECANDRA. 661 

and extremities and in paralysis following a thorough wetting 
(149), with sensation as if quicksilver moved up and down the 
spine. 

It is of frequent use in caries of the vertebrae (207) in scrofulous 
children, with intolerance of heat near the back and a feeling of a 
tight band around the body (165). 

On the skin Phosphorus is to be thought of not only for haemor- 
rhage from small wounds, but also for all eruptions which bleed 
easily. 

In typhoid (193) and typhus fevers (193) the mental and phys- 
ical indifference and exhaustion would be pronounced character- 
istics calling for the remedy. 

In reference to sleeplessness (169), Talcott says: " Where the 
patient awakens many times during the night, but falls asleep 
easily, give Phosphorus." 

Causticum and Rhus tox. are said to be incompatible with 
Phosphorus and should not follow it directly. 

Allen, in Bcenninghausen's Pocket Book, gives Rhus tox. as 
injurious to Phosphorus, while Hering gives it as compatible. I 
am beginning to question whether our remedies in potency have 
an injurious effect one upon the other. 

I use Phosphorus 3rd. 

PHYTOLACCA DECANDRA. 

Poke Weed — Poke Root. 

(Phytolacca — <J3vtov, phuton, plant; lac, lake or pigment, so- 
called in allusion to the high color of the juice of the berries; 
Decandra, having ten stamens; Poke, from pocan, the American 
Indian name for the plant.) 

Phytolacca is indigenous to this country and its use has been 
handed down from the Indians, who employed the root as an 
emetic as well as a cathartic and the berries for rheumatism, 
especially syphilitic and gonorrhoea!. Phytolacca is still officinal 
in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. 

While the gross effects had long been known, probably the 
first recorded results for our use are to be found in the second 



662 MATERIA MEDICA. 

volume of the American Institute Transactions. Hale had much 
to do in making this remedy known to us and many a suggestion 
I take from his book, Special Therapeutics of the New Remedies. 

Phytolacca is a r. -sided remedy (163), with pains worse at 
night and from damp weather (9). The pains, especially those 
from rheumatism, are shifting (149). 

The headaches of Phytolacca are neuralgic, rheumatic or 
syphilitic (98), with dull frontal pain or pressure and a sensa- 
tion of soreness in the brain (91) or as if the brain were bruised, 
and aggravated by walking (96) or jar, as from stepping down 
from a high step. There is aggravation during wet or stormy 
weather (98) and perhaps on the r. side. (All references that 
we make concerning the use of Phytolacca in syphilis can be taken 
subject to such revision as your future study of the remedy war- 
rants. While of value in certain conditions, it would seem as 
though too much credit were given to it.) 

In the eyes Phytolacca is to be thought of in rheumatic ophthal- 
mia and in blepharitis, with styes and tumors, the especial indi- 
cations for its use being the thickening and induration of the 
lids and the dark redness or purple color. 

In the ears it is of value in neuralgic earache (63), especially 
of the r. side, with shooting pains from the throat to the ears 
when swallowing (65). 

There is ulceration of the inside of the cheek and of the mar- 
gins of the tongue (192), with increased, thick and tenacious 
secretions in the mouth. 

Phytolacca is of great value in the throat and you will probably 
find more frequent indications for its use here than in any other 
portion of the body. In chronic enlargement of the tonsils (192) 
it is often called for, especially when they are hard and dark red 
or bluish in color. In sore throat in general, with or without 
ulceration, the general indications for this remedy are, the raw- 
ness or roughness internally and the stiffness of the muscles ex- 
ternally (174), associated with severe aching in head, neck and 
back. The tonsils and pharynx are congested and of dark or 
purple color (191) and the r. side is especially apt to be affected. 

It is of value in follicular tonsillitis (192), more particularly in 



PHYTOLACCA DECANDRA. 663 

the beginning. It is an especially good remedy for people sub- 
ject to recurrent attacks of follicular tonsillitis to have with them 
so that they can take it on the first intimation of trouble, and 
patients have frequently bragged to me as to the time that has 
elapsed since they have been laid up with tonsillitis and have 
commented on my lack of business instinct when I gave them 
the medicine. 

It is useful in diphtheria, beginning with very severe pains 
all over the body, an aching apparently in the bones, fever, 
chilliness and great weakness, and associated with scanty, dark 
red and albuminous urine. The pain in the throat is referred 
chiefly to the root of the tongue and to the tonsils, extending 
to the ears on swallowing (184). The pseudo-membrane is gray- 
ish or pearly-white and the peculiar fetor of the breath is much 
lessened when Phytolacca is indicated. We may have, in addi- 
tion to the backache, a decided aching in the knees, and often 
find that hot drinks aggravate the pains in the throat. These 
cases of diphtheria usually have a catarrhal or rheumatic origin 
and are precipitated by exposure to a cold, damp atmosphere or 
from sleeping in a damp, ill-ventilated room. 

Phytolacca is useful in catarrhal laryngitis, worse at night and 
in cold, damp weather, especially when associated with enlarged 
tonsils. 

It may prove useful in the constipation of old people or those 
with a weak heart, with torpor of the rectum and neuralgic pains 
shooting from the anus along the perineum into the penis. 

In the kidneys it is of value in croupous nephritis (124), especi- 
ally after diphtheria or scarlet fever, the urine scanty (200), and 
dark red or even mahogany colored. In chronic interstitial 
nephritis (124) it has proved useful even with ursemic convul- 
sions (36). 

Phytolacca is one of our most valuable remedies for inflamma- 
tion of the mammary glands (22), especially after the acute 
symptoms have subsided; there are violent pains whenever the 
milk flows into the breast, especially when nursing (146), pains 
which start from the nipple and radiate over the whole body, 
particularly up and down the spine. It is also of value for sore 



664 MATERIA MEDICA. 

and cracked nipples (23), with great pain whenever the child 
attempts to nurse, and for tender and inflamed breasts during 
pregnancy. 

It is frequently called for in tumors of the breast (23), with 
enlargement of the axillary glands; the breast has a purplish 
(23), streaked appearance and the pains radiate over the whole 
body. 

In the heart it is to be thought of in chronic endocarditis, when 
the pain in the heart shoots into the arm, especially into the 
r. arm (110), as well as in fatty degeneration of the heart (109), 
with weak, soft, intermittent pulse (110). 

Phytolacca is of value in " affections of the fibrous tissues, 
fibrous coverings of muscles and sheaths of nerves, generally rheu- 
matic or syphilitic in their nature" (Hale). It is useful in sub- 
acute rheumatism, the pains affecting in particular the long 
bones or the tendinous attachment of muscles. The pains, which 
sometimes seem to be in the periosteum, are burning, shooting 
and shifting (149), always worse at night and in damp weather 
(9). It is to be thought of for rheumatism of the heels, with 
soreness (71), the especial indication being that the pains are 
only relieved by keeping the heels higher than the head. (If 
Dickens had known of this symptom he would have thought that 
most of the Americans he wrote about needed a dose of this 
remedy.) In syphilitic and gonorrheal rheumatism (161) it is 
of value, the joints swollen and red, the glands swollen, and with 
aggravation in damp weather. 

We find in Phytolacca a tendency to boils (22) and carbuncles, 
and it is useful in rheumatic or debilitated subjects, with swelling 
of the glands, soreness and burning pains, all aggravated at night. 
It is also useful for chronic ulcers, the ulcers looking as if punched 
out, and surrounded by small boils. 

Perhaps we should speak here of the use of Phytolacca berries. 
(The remedy that we have been considering is made from the 
root of the plant.) 

Dr. Hale found that birds which fed on the berries lost all their 
adipose tissue, and reasoning from that, it has been recommended 
for obesity. According to the literature sent out by the different 



PICRIC ACID. 665 

pharmacies, it is a specific as a fat reducer; the weight may re- 
main the same but the girth will be lessened. 

The physicians that I have met who have taken it do not re- 
port nor show any especial change. It seems to be harmless; 
prescribe it if you wish and note the results. 

I use Phytolacca in the tincture. 

PICRIC ACID. 

Carbazotic Acid — CeH^NC^OH. 

{Picric — -TTiKpos, pikros, bitter.) 

Picric acid was first proved by Dr. Parisel, of Paris, in 1868. 
In the American proving, conducted by Dr. L. B. Couch, in 1874, 
Dr. T. F. Allen records the effects of the 30th on both a man and 
a woman. 

Most medical students have assisted in involuntary provings 
of this remedy, and I feel from your look of interest that many 
of you have helped others to acquire a limited knowledge of its 
physiological action, but as Dr. Jones remarks: "The intense 
excitement of the genital apparatus, as evidenced by violent 
and long-continued priapism and profuse seminal emissions, will 
not suggest the exuberance of lusty vigor to him who is aware 
that such evidences of quasi strength in that department of the 
economy are the best proof of weakness." 

In his summing up, he says: "In brief, a universal prostra- 
tion, psychical and physical, is the distinguishing feature, and 
speedy exhaustion from slight exertion the grand characteristic of 
this remedy. One single word portrays the generic action of 
Picric acid : Asthenia . ' ' 

There is great prostration in Picric acid, both mental and 
physical (155), and any attempt to use the mind brings on pro- 
found exhaustion. It is of great value in occipital headache 
(100) and in brain-fag (93), with severe pain and congestion 
(103) at the base of the brain; the headaches may be relieved by 
cool applications (92). 

In the ears we have roaring (65), buzzing and hissing, especi- 
ally when tired, and usually associated with the occipital head- 
ache. 



666 MATERIA MEDICA. 

In the male it is of value for seminal emissions followed by- 
great exhaustion (167) and headache, and for impotency (168) 
with threatening paralysis of the legs, or with tendency to boils 
and carbuncles. 

In the female, while the menses are not apt to be profuse, 
there is great prostration after (138), and perhaps pruritus. 

It is a remedy frequently called for in the disposition to boils 
(22), either on the back of the neck or within the ears (64). 

Think of Picric acid in writer's cramp (209), the symptoms 
leading to its use being the heaviness found in all muscles on 
exertion. 

Hale says: "I have found the Picrate of Ammonia to be much 
more efficient in all cases than the acid.". 

I use Picric acid 30th. 

PLATINUM. 

The pure precipitated metal was first proved for Hahnemann 
by two of his pupils, Stapf and Gross, the latter furnishing most 
of the symptoms. Gross's chief proving was made on a young 
woman whom he described as "both bodily and mentally healthy 
and blooming, though somewhat excitable," and "who took doses 
of the 1st triturate equivalent in all to between two and three 
grains of the metal" (Hughes in Chr. Dis.); while this accounts 
in a great measure for the use of the pronoun she in the provings, 
it has been found clinically that Platinum is especially adapted 
to women and their troubles. 

"The action of Platinum" says Dunham, "is exerted in the 
most marked and peculiar manner, upon the mind and disposition ; 
upon the second and third branches of the tri-facial nerve" (the 
superior and inferior maxillary divisions); "and upon the sexual 
organs of women." 

There is an aggravation of the pains or conditions at night, 
aggravation from rest, when the patient sits or stands, and relief 
from motion or walking (10). As a rule, the pains increase and 
decrease gradually (148). 

At times there are alternations of anaesthesia and hyperses- 



PLATINUM. 667 

thesia. Another alternation found in the pathogenesis, the 
value of which clinically I do not know, is, "if the mind is joyous 
the body is suffering, and vice versa." 

Mentally there is a condition of much interest that is more 
frequently found in women. We have hysterical spasms, a 
globus hystericus (119), with constriction of the oesophagus, 
brought on by nervous excitement and ending, perhaps, in gas- 
tralgia, with great distention of the epigastric region. Great 
mental anxiety is of frequent occurrence, with fear of death 
(81), which she believes 'to be near, but with no desire to be 
talked to or to be comforted (132), and found especially in relig- 
ious melancholia (131), or we may have alternations of weeping 
and laughing. 

The great characteristic of the remedy, however, is to be found 
in mama or monomania associated with excessive self esteem. 
The patient is haughty, proud and dictatorial, "over-estimating 
herself beyond all reason" (Dunham). She looks down disdain- 
fully on others; fancies herself great and superior, while her 
neighbors are small and inferior, which leads Dunham to say that 
we have in these cases "a genuine representation of Mrs. Lofty." 
At times the patient is "depressed, inclined to weep and feels 
lonesome, but is too proud to associate with her friends" (Tal- 
cott) or tell them of her troubles. 

There are also illusions on entering the house as if everything 
were too small and all persons within were physically and men- 
tally inferior, while she herself is physically large and superior, 
Dunham saying: "The extent to which this perversion of mind 
is sometimes carried, and the ludicrous scenes to which it gives 
rise, are among the curiosities of the materia medica. This is a 
characteristic action of the drug, and cases of disease in which 
something analogous does not appear, are rarely cured by Platina" 

It is of value in mental troubles associated with suppressed 
menstruation (135), and in puerperal mania (129), with unchaste 
talk (55), "wants to embrace everybody" (Lilienthal), and with 
the mental illusion that she is able to satisfy all comers. 

The headaches of Platinum, which are often periodic or due 
to neuralgic conditions, have pains which gradually increase to 



668 MATERIA MEDICA. 

the maximum and when improvement begins there is the same 
gradual decrease. The pains are aggravated by stooping and 
from walking (96) in the open air (93). We may have a sensa- 
tion of weight on the vertex (103), a sensation of constriction or 
numbness in the occiput or temples, "as if the head were band- 
aged too tightly" (Chr. Dis.) (105), or a cramp-like pressure, 
inwards in temples, as if the head were between screws (106). 

The sensation of numbness (91) or of contraction of the brain 
accompanies nearly all of the headaches of this remedy; in addi- 
tion we must keep in mind that numbness (146) of various parts 
is one of the most frequent conditions in all the affections requir- 
ing Platinum. There is a tense numb sensation in the zygoma 
and the mastoid, as if the head were being tightly squeezed, or a 
cramp-like numbness in the malar bones (80), a steady compres- 
sion as if the parts were between screws (79). 

Do not forget that all these pains grow worse gradually, or 
as the patient expresses it, she can feel them coming on. 

Platinum is more or less antidotal to Plumbum and is to be 
thought of in lead colic (126), with pains going to the back (180), 
for constipation from lead poisoning as well as when due to 
traveling, where variations in the usual routine of life bring on a 
pronounced attack of constipation. While there may be frequent 
desire for. a movement, the "faces are scanty, hard (35) and 
dry and only evacuated with great effort of the abdominal mus- 
cles, followed by sensation of weakness in the abdomen" (Dun- 
ham). It is also to be thought of in obstinate constipation, 
with a feeling of a load in the rectum (35) which cannot be evac- 
uated. Dunham speaks of it as valuable in the constipation of 
pregnancy. 

In both sexes Platinum is useful in sexual melancholia, especi- 
ally when caused by masturbation (168). 

In the male it is to be thought of in satyriasis (163) and for 
constant erections at night when lying on the back. (Rhus tox. 
has persistent painful erections, better lying on the back. It 
may depend upon the age of the patient as to the meaning to be 
attached to the word better in this symptom.) 

It is, however, upon the sexual organs of women that we find 



PLATINUM. 669 

the most marked action of Platinum and its more frequent appli- 
cation. It is of great value in nymphomania (146) in young girls 
or barren women, and especially so when this condition is found 
during the puerperal period. There is a voluptuous crawling, or 
tingling, extending from the genitals up into the abdomen, or, 
extreme sensitiveness or numbness of the external genitals. At 
times the genitals are so sensitive (205) that she almost goes 
into " spasms from an examination or during intercourse" (Her- 
ing). 

Dunham calls attention to the peculiar position assumed by 
the Platinum patient during sleep and particularly when associated 
with hysteria or nymphomania, for while sleep is usually " light 
and often broken" (Talcott), "the patient is always found on 
awaking to be lying on the back with thighs drawn up on the 
abdomen, and with one or both hands above the head ; and there 
is, about or a little before the time of waking, a disposition to 
uncover the lower extremities" (33). 

Platinum is to be thought of in pruritus of the vagina (156), 
with increased sexual desire. 

While menstruation may be irregular, still, as a usual thing, 
women who require Platinum habitually have too early and too 
long-lasting menses (135), the discharge dark, thick and clotted 
(136), especially during the first day. Associated with menstrua- 
tion we find severe bearing-down pains and great sensitiveness of 
the vagina to touch, along with an abnormal sexual appetite 
and the peculiar melancholia and illusions of the remedy. It 
is of value in dysmenorrhea, with extreme pressure downward 
and sensitiveness of the external genitals preceding the flow. 
The pains increase to such severity that they may cause spasms, 
and they are followed by excessive haemorrhage. In monor- 
rhagia we would have as characteristics, the extreme downward 
pressure and the profuse flow of dark clotted blood (136). 

Platinum is of great value in the suppression of the menses in 
emigrants (135). Many a young woman has lost her health and 
gone into a decline soon after her arrival in this country, and you 
will be told, as accounting for her condition, that she has not 
menstruated since reaching here, although she was perfectly 



670 MATERIA MEDICA. 

regular at home; seemingly an ocean voyage may have as bad 
effect upon the menstrual function as we know it has upon the 
lacteal secretion, for the latter is often suppressed, not to return, 
after a few days, or maybe, a few hours in a rough sea. In the 
suppression of milk from a sea-trip it might be well to think of 
this remedy as a prophylactic. 

Platinum is of use for fibroids of the uterus (202), with the con- 
stant bearing-down pains, the extreme sensitiveness externally 
and the profuse menstruation of the remedy. 

The r. ovary (147) is more apt to be affected in Platinum and 
inflammation there (148) may be the cause of nymphomania; it 
has relieved ovaritis even after suppuration has taken place. 
Associated with the uterine and ovarian troubles calling for this 
remedy, there are usually a large number of reflex disturbances, 
such as aphonia (117), cough (47), palpitation (112), numbness, 
spasms (36) and sleeplessness (169). 

Platinum is antidoted by Pulsatilla. 

I use Platinum 3rd. 

PLUMBUM. 

Lead. 

Plumbum is one of the few metals not proved by Hahnemann. 
It was first proved by Hartlaub, one of Hahnemann's followers, 
and incorporated in the provings are the results from the acetate 
and carbonate as well as those from the precipitated metal. 
Among the pathogenetic symptoms are necessarily many devel- 
oped as the result of poisoning, especially by inhalation. 

Plumbum is a remedy that we do not begin to use as often as 
it is indicated and it is one that will repay us for the time devoted 
to its study, and I would advise you all, as soon after graduation 
as may be convenient, to read the article on this remedy as found 
in Hughes Pharmacodynamics. 

Plumbum produces general interstitial inflammation charac- 
terized by proliferation of connective tissue. Various organs, 
notably the kidneys, heart and liver, become affected when lead 
is taken into the system and undergo degeneration tending to- 
wards sclerosis, or thickening with condensation. 



PLUMBUM. 671 

The most striking effects of lead appear to originate from its 
action on the spinal cord and the nerves proceeding from it, 
namely colic, with violent contraction of the intestines, and 
abdominal walls, and obstinate constipation. 

(One of the first symptoms resulting from poisoning by lead 
is the colic with its terrible griping, tearing pains and retraction 
of the abdominal walls. Dilute sulphuric acid, five drops in water, 
given in teaspoonful doses, is useful during a severe attack of 
lead colic ; it is supposed to act by forming the insoluble sulphate 
of lead. Our tincture is not quite as strong as the dilute sulphuric 
acid of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia.) 

Plumbum produces paralysis, first attacking the extensors 
of the extremities, with the resulting " wrist-drop," and then 
becoming general, with terrific pains in the extremities. 

Plumbum produces and is useful in severe cases of general 
anaemia (15), with weakness and paleness, persistent vomiting 
of food, more or less gastralgia and pronounced constipation. 
In ansemia it follows well after the use or abuse of iron. 

It is also useful in chlorosis (17), with scanty or suppressed 
menses (134), palpitation and oedema of the feet and general 
emaciation. 

Plumbum causes degeneration of the brain, and epilepsy and 
even imbecility may result. It is to be thought of in epilepsy 
and has been given when the attacks are associated with men- 
struation (67) and accompanied by dysmenorrhoea, colic and 
obstinate constipation. 

Hering is quoted by both Farrington and Lilienthal in reference 
to the value of Plumbum for epilepsy due to cerebral sclerosis or 
tumors, and he gives as characteristic symptoms for the remedy, 
a sort of paralytic heaviness of the legs before the attack, and 
prolonged snoring sleep afterwards. 

The headache of this remedy is either frontal or occipital, 
usually with colic and bilious vomiting, and it has been used with 
success when, with the headache, there was a sensation of a ball 
rising from the throat (189) into the head. 

Mentally we think of Plumbum in slowness of perception and 
more or less loss of memory (133), due perhaps to cerebral par- 



672 MATERIA MEDICA. 

alysis. In these conditions of cerebral paralysis we would have 
impaired speech, where the patient is unable to remember words, 
cannot think of the one he wants, or simply omits words or 
syllables (18), and with more or less paralysis of the face, throat 
and extremities. 

The blue or slate-colored line along the margins of the gums 
in cases of lead poisoning is not of special importance for us in 
prescribing this remedy. In cases of poisoning, this line is due to 
the deposition of sulphide of lead, formed by "the sulphuretted 
hydrogen developed from the tartar of the teeth penetrating the 
tissues of the gums and uniting with the lead" (Ringer). We can 
keep in mind in looking for this blue line as the result of poisoning, 
that while it is like the old lady with her knitting at the donation 
party, one of the first symptoms to show itself and the last to 
disappear, that it is seldom found except in those who look upon 
the tooth-brush as an enemy, that it is seen only at the edge of 
the gums where they come in contact with the teeth, and that 
when the teeth are absent, the blue line is also absent. 

There is paralysis of the tongue (192), with indistinct speech, 
and paralysis of the pharyngeal muscles, with difficulty in swallow- 
ing liquids. 

Vomiting is a prominent feature in the gastric conditions call- 
ing for Plumb. We have periodic vomiting of food, or of brown 
or black liquid, as well as faecal vomiting, all associated with vio- 
lent cramp or colic. In the gastralgia, the pains are sudden and 
violent, compelling hard pressure on the abdomen (175) and with 
relief from eructations (175). 

"Lead colic, due to poisoning, may occur without any pre- 
monitory signs; the abdominal walls are retracted and rigid and 
the pains are usually relieved by firm pressure" (Ringer). The 
colic for which we prescribe Plumbum is severe, with pains 
radiating in all directions, especially from the navel, with relief 
from rubbing, or from firm and hard pressure. The walls of the 
abdomen are tense and hard, with an actual retraction of the 
abdomen (11) at the umbilical region; the abdominal wall feels 
as if it adhered to the spine (11). Along with this we are apt 
to have extreme distention of the transverse colon, or tympanitic 



PLUMBUM. 673 

distention (13) in circumscribed swellings (13) as large as the 
fist, and complete obstruction of the bowels, with frequent vomit- 
ing, even fsecal. 

Plumbum is to be thought of in jaundice (122), with nausea 
and vomiting, as well as in chronic inflammation and cirrhosis 
(127) of the liver, with vomiting and most obstinate constipation 
and with darting pain from the liver to the left side and to the 
back, or with the sensation of a string pulling the liver back- 
ward. 

It is a remedy that has proved useful in many cases of incar- 
cerated (114) or strangulated hernia (114). 

It is to be thought of in diarrhoea when we have as the guiding 
symptom a sensation as of something pulling the navel back- 
ward, and with actual retraction. 

In constipation, where we find more frequent indications for 
the remedy, the stools are dark or black (35), scanty and in small, 
hard balls, the sheep-dung stool (35). The effort to have stool 
is usually without result, for not only is there a painful spasm of 
the sphincter (158), "a finger introduced within the sphincter 
is immediately grasped" (Lilienthal), but there is also a sensa- 
tion as if a string were pulling the anus into the rectum. Asso- 
ciated with this we are apt to have the colic of the remedy, with 
the sensation of the umbilicus being pulled much farther back 
than it is actually retracted. 

While Plumbum may be of use in croupous or parenchematous 
nephritis, it is a valuable and too often neglected remedy in 
chronic interstitial nephritis (124). 

One of the later manifestations of lead poisoning is an albu- 
minous urine and an increased growth of connective tissue in the 
kidney; in other words, it causes interstitial nephritis which goes 
on to cirrhosis. I look upon Plumbum as valuable in any stage of 
chronic interstitial nephritis, and while the disease presents but 
few symptoms in the beginning, loss of appetite and strength, 
headache, anaemia, lessened urea and constipation will serve to 
recall the remedy to your mind. Later on in the disease we would 
have as additional symptoms for the remedy, albuminous urine, 
and a sensation of numbness (146) or paralysis of the extremities; 



674 MATERIA MEDICA. 

and at the end it would still be indicated in cirrhosis, with a 
marked tendency towards ursemic convulsions (36). 

In the early stages of interstitial nephritis, I believe that 
Plumbum will cure. In the latter stages, even with the presence 
of albumin, it will not only have a tendency to hold the disease 
in check, but I believe that it has improved the condition, lessen- 
ing the amount of albumin, with the elimination of casts, and 
increasing the amount of urea. I also use Plumbum as a pro- 
phylactic, if the term can be so employed, in suspicious cases or 
in those with an inherited tendency, and with seemingly gratifying 
results. 

Plumbum has been used in haemorrhage from the kidneys (85), 
with severe pain in the ureters, and it has proved useful in par- 
alysis of the bladder (22), with difficulty in voiding the urine, 
or even with retention (200) and dribbling of urine. 

The vaginismus (205) of Plumbum is accompanied by the 
colic of the remedy and perhaps is associated with painful men- 
struation, and with the dysmenorrhea we have the character- 
istic sensation of a string pulling the abdomen back towards the 
spine. 

Pregnant women, whether they, or their husbands only, be 
the subject of plumbism, are extremely liable to abort, and we 
find Plumbum useful in threatening abortion (13), or for the 
tendency to abort, from lack of development of the uterus; the 
muscular fibres of the uterus not developing in proportion to the 
growth of the fcetus. 

In the heart we have " change in the muscular structure of 
the heart without coincident disease of valves and with or without 
atheromatous degeneration of vessels" (fatty degeneration of 
inner coat of arteries); " usually with hypertrophy (110) and 
dilatation of 1. ventricle" (Hering). 

Plumbum has been used in infantile paralysis, with emacia- 
tion, and for progressive muscular atrophy. For locomotor ataxia 
(127), or posterior spinal sclerosis, Plumbum has proved very 
useful. Allen says that if it "has not actually cured this dis- 
ease it has been found valuable for many of its distressing symp- 
toms, especially for the violent sciatic pains, the colic, constipa- 
tion and dysuria." 



PODOPHYLLUM. 675 

Allen once performed wonders in a case of locomotor ataxia 
suffering from terrible pains which were due to an acute exacer- 
bation of the disease. Plumbum had no effect, but Plumb, iod., 
until then an unknown and untried remedy, gave prompt relief. 

I use Plumbum 3rd. 

PODOPHYLLUM. 

May-Apple — Wild Mandrake — Duck's Foot. 

(Podophyllum — irovs, pous, a foot; <f>v\\ov, phyllon, a leaf. 
Probably from a supposed likeness of the leaf to the webbed foot 
of some aquatic bird.) 

Podophyllum, of which we use the sweetish, yellow, egg-shaped 
root, is indigenous throughout the United States, and was first 
proved by Dr. Williamson, of Philadelphia, who published his 
report in 1846. 

Podophyllum increases the intestinal secretions and is actively 
cathartic, producing in from six to ten hours a copious and rather 
watery stool. It has been called the "vegetable calomel," and it, 
or its resin podophyllin, is in general use in various cathartic pills. 
Carter's Little Liver Pills are said to contain podophyllin and 
aloes, while Pierce's Pleasant Purgative Pills (of which you may 
have heard) are supposed to consist principally of podophyllin. 
Our North American Indians were the original users of Podo- 
phyllum and at times claimed for it virtues to which it was not 
entitled, as when the Osage Indians, formerly in Oklahoma, 
"considered it as a cure for poisons, by driving them through the 
bowels" (Hale). If you ever experienced a Podophyllum diar- 
rhoea, you will feel that the Indians were more or less justified in 
their statement, as its driving power is very great. 

It is an active cathartic, causing inflammation and ulceration 
of the whole intestinal tract, affecting chiefly the duodenum and 
rectum, with prolapsus of the latter. It produces symptoms of 
dysentery; it congests the liver and promotes the secretion of 
bile; it produces weakness of the abdominal walls, with weak- 
ness or prolapsus of the uterus. 

Podophyllum is useful in sick or bilious headaches (95), pre- 
44 



676 MATERIA MEDICA. 

ceded by blurring of vision (104), then gradually increasing pain, 
especially in the occiput (100), with nausea and vomiting. Also 
headache alternating with diarrhoea. 

During difficult dentition (187), when this remedy is needed, 
we may have a hydrocephaloid condition, with hot head, rolling 
of the head, moaning, grinding of the teeth (187) and diarrhoea. 

The tongue is coated white and there is much viscid mucus 
in the mouth, while the taste and breath are both offensive. 
There is but little appetite, although there is a sensation of 
hollowness or weakness in the epigastrium (179). There is 
desire, for acids and sour things (9), eructations of food, which 
are hot and acid (178), nausea and frequent efforts to vomit. 

Podophyllum is to be thought of in duodenitis with jaundice 
(122) and in gall-stone colic (82), with severe pain, nausea and 
jaundice. 

In chronic congestion and inflammation of the liver there is 
a feeling of fulness and pain involving the whole right side, 
jaundice and morning diarrhoea. 

A prominent feature under Podophyllum is prolapsus of the 
rectum (160); this is noticed with constipation, diarrhoea or 
dysentery and is frequently the accompaniment of haemorrhoids 
(86). Dunham is the only author that I know of who lays 
stress on the prolapsus occurring "before the evacuation of 
faeces and not after it," although others pave the way for the 
statement by saying prolapsus of the rectum "from a little 
exertion" (Lippe, Hering); the pathogenetic symptom reads, 
"after stool." The prolapsus may occur when walking or as the 
result of debility; it is frequently found following confinement 
or as associated with uterine displacement. 

The constipation for which we prescribe Podophyllum is usually 
a chronic condition, associated with prolapsus of the rectum or 
anus, and a sinking sensation in the abdomen as if the intestines 
would drop through the pelvis (179). 

The diarrhoea calling for the remedy is worse in the early 
morning, 4-9 a. m., getting the patient out of bed in a hurry. 
(For purposes of differentiation, the Podophyllum patient goes 
to the closet on the trot, while in Sulphur he goes on the run.) 



PODOPHYLLUM. 677 

The stool is usually painless and yellow-watery, looking like 
pea-soup ; it is very profuse, each stool enough to drain the patient 
dry and he wonders where it all comes from, as he feels sure that 
he has not taken sufficient food or drink to supply it. The stool 
is gushing (59), pouring out all at once, a good deal as though a 
faucet had been turned on; it is usually very offensive and often 
associated with prolapsus of the rectum or anus. 

Diarrhoea from 4-9 a. m., followed by a normal movement in 
the afternoon or evening is also quite characteristic of this 
remedy. The diarrhceic stool often contains undigested food 
(60), is aggravated by eating and drinking (57), in hot weather 
(57) and during dentition (58). 

While the diarrhoea is usually painless, the stools may be pre- 
ceded by violent colic and followed by pain in the sacrum. In 
cholera morbus we may find it indicated even when there are 
cramps in the calves (52) as well as in other muscles. 

It is useful in "camp diarrhoea" (Hering), in dysentery and 
that form of dysentery that is epidemic, especially in the South, 
and in chrome dysentery, with severe tenesmus (61), discharges 
like meat- washings (60) and burning pains (61) deep in the 
rectum. In all these forms of diarrhoea and dysentery, the 
movements are followed by a sensation of great weakness or sink- 
ing in the abdomen as well as in the rectum. The reference to 
the use of Podophyllum in camp diarrhoea, reminds one that 
Alstonia scholaris has been found useful in diarrhoea occurring in 
congregations of people where the sanitary precautions are mostly 
forgotten, the so-called camp diarrhoea, the result of drinking 
impure water, especially with malarial infection; stools bloody 
and of undigested food, perhaps with dysenteric symptoms, ten- 
esmus (61) and great prostration (58). 

Podophyllum is useful in young girls for amenorrhcea (134) or 
suppression of the menses, associated with nausea and efforts to 
vomit, with severe bearing-down pains, "relieved when lying 
down" (Minton), and usually with haemorrhoids and chronic 
prolapsus of the anus. 

There is great weakness of the abdominal walls, especially 
during pregnancy, with relief of the sinking sensation while lying 



678 MATERIA MEDICA. 

on the stomach. It is of value in prolapsus of the uterus (203) 
and vagina, due to general debility, " over-lifting" (Hering), and 
especially following parturition, with severe backache and more 
or less prolapsus of the anus. 

Podophyllum seems to have an especial action on the r. ovary 
(147) and it is useful for pain in the r. ovary, associated with 
prolapsus of the uterus, for acute and chronic ovaritis of the r. 
side (148) and for r.-sided ovarian tumor (147). 

Podophyllum has been found useful in remittent and inter- 
mittent fevers, with hepatic congestion, bilious vomiting and 
diarrhoea. 

I use Podophyllum 30th. 

PSORINUM. 

A Nosode. 

In 1830, Dr. Constantine Hering, while in Surinam, or Dutch 
Guiana, collected pus from the forearms, hands and between the 
fingers, from mature pustules, on a young and otherwise healthy 
negro. The negro had been handling some stuff imported from 
Germany and had become infected, but Hering says that he does 
not know whether the infection was due to the Acarus scabiei or 
not, although he speaks of it as the itch pustule. The mature, 
unscratched pustules were opened and the pus collected and 
placed in a vial with alcohol. Hering proved this on the healthy 
human being and called this nosode, or disease product, Psorinum 
(psora, the itch). 

The use and employment of nosodes soon after this became the 
subject of much controversy and a point that was early raised 
against them was, as Hering says, "the silly one of nastiness 
... an argument rather to be expected from a bevy of prudish 
old maids than from those claiming the title of scientific men." 

Farrington, in speaking of this, says that "the objection" 
that the nosodes "are nasty and filthy is certainly absurd, because 
nobody would for one moment entertain the idea of administering 
these substances in a low potency; and this being the case, no one 
will maintain that there is anything nasty or disagreeable to one's 



PSORINUM. 679 

feelings in administering to a patient Psorinum in the two hun- 
dredth attenuation." 

The objection that has been made against nosodes, that we 
practice isopathy and not homoeopathy when we use Variolinum 
for small-pox, Syphilinum for syphilis, Hydrophobin, for hydro- 
phobia, etc., does not hold good as regards Psorinum, for that is 
a remedy that has been well proved and we prescribe it on its 
homoeopathic indications. 

An objection to Psorinum which grows less serious as time 
elapses, as then it will be distributed among many physicians, 
is, that we do not know the name of the lesion from which the 
pus was collected, and if, for any reason, our supply became ex- 
hausted, it could not be duplicated and the result of the work of 
proving the remedy and the clinical experience from its use would 
be of no possible benefit to us. The Psorinum that we purchase 
to-day is the same as originally used by Hering. 

In speaking of Psorinum, I think that we will get a better idea 
of it from the general picture rather than from the especial symp- 
toms, as it is the Psorinum case rather than the particular symp- 
toms which will cause you to prescribe the remedy. 

I doubt if you will often use Psorinum as the first remedy in 
any given case or condition, as you, in all probability, will be led 
to give it either because the indicated remedy does not act as it 
should or because you have first given Sulphur, which has failed 
to promote the cure. It is complementary to Sulphur, that is, 
it not only follows well after that remedy but " completes the 
cure which the one begins but is unable to effect" (Farrington). 

You will recall that under Sulphur, in describing the patient, 
his appearance and the odor surrounding him, we made use of 
disagreeable, offensive and similar words, and said that he would 
not bathe, either because he had an aversion to water or was 
made worse by its use, or both combined. 

As regards Psorinum, mild terms are wholly inadequate, and 
Webster's is searched so that we may express ourselves in stronger 
terms than filthy, fetid and foul. Hering says that in Psorinum 
"the body has a filthy smell even after a bath/' and again, that 
"all excretions, diarrhoea (59), leucorrhcea (126), menstrual 
flow (137) and perspiration have a carrion-like odor." 



680 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Psorinum is especially adapted to children of the lower classes, 
a child where the excretions have been allowed to dry on, one 
who, seemingly, has appropriated all the bad odors that it has 
encountered since birth. The child is scrofulous, with general 
tendency to enlargement of the glands (83), emaciated, with a 
sickly and dirty look. The eyes are gummy and inflamed, the 
ears discharge a fetid pus (63) and the nose runs. 

In spite of the child's emaciation the appetite is usually ex- 
cessive (119), with bloating of the abdomen and eructations (182) 
and flatus tasting and smelling like rotten eggs. 

A pathogenetic symptom reads, diarrhoea, stools " fluid, dark 
brown, foul-smelling" (59), and Bell says that " although the 
dark fluid stool is very characteristic of Psor., the very offensive 
odor is much more so." 

The skin of the Psorinum patient is yellow and dirty; at times 
dry, but usually moist, greasy (169), "as though bathed in oil" 
(Farrington), and there are eruptions on the face, scalp and 
chest, associated with great itching which is worse when warm 
in bed (122). The eruption on the head is moist and scabby, and 
mats the hair (88); "it involves the whole scalp and spreads 
down on either side of the face, involving the cheeks and ears" 
(Farrington). 

Pediculi are not uncommon in a Psorinum case, and Allen says, 
"some distressing cases have been known of whole families tor- 
mented with constantly recurring body lice, in spite of all precau- 
tions of cleanliness, cured only by this drug," which, as Dear- 
born states, "helps to restore normal resistance of the skin." 

Perspiration is easy (185), especially on the extremities, and 
the odor is similar to that found elsewhere under the remedy. 

It is a remedy to be thought of in persistent weakness after 
debilitating diseases (156), with mental and physical exhaus- 
tion (155). 

Whether Psorinum is derived, says Bell, "from purest gold 
or purest filth, our gratitude for its excellent services forbids us 
to inquire or care." 

I use Psorinum 30th. 



PULSATILLA NIGRICANS. 681 

PULSATILLA NIGRICANS. 

Meadow Anemone — Wind Flower — Pasque Flower. 

(Pulsatilla — pulsar e, to beat or strike.) 

Pulsatilla nigra, is the European Pulsatilla and is not to be 
confounded with the American variety (Pulsatilla Nuttalliana, 
named after Thomas Nuttall, an American scientist), as the 
action of the latter differs in certain respects from the one we 
are going to speak of. It is called Wind Flower because it was 
supposed not to open its flowers until blown upon by the wind, 
and Pasque flower because it flowers about Easter (the French 
word for Easter being Pasques). 

Pulsatilla was first proved by Hahnemann, who advises its use 
in the 30th. It was dismissed from the last (1905) U. S. Phar- 
macopoeia. We will never dismiss it from our Materia Medica, 
for we know of its great value; its field of usefulness covers a wide 
range and with its many pronounced characteristics, we have a 
remedy not only of frequent use, but one not readily forgotten. 

Its most extensive action is on mucous membranes, the eyes, 
ears, nose and entire respiratory tract, the whole digestive tract 
and the genito-urinary apparatus of both sexes. 

There is a general aggravation towards evening, from rich 
greasy food (5) and from warmth (8) ; there is amelioration from 
cold and great longing for and relief while in the open air (9). 
There is also an absence of thirst (189), an aggravation from 
laying on the 1. side (8) and in general, relief from lying on the 
painful side (8). 

The characteristic Pulsatilla patient has light hair and blue 
eyes (88), and is of a timid or submissive and clinging tempera- 
ment. She, for it is a remedy especially useful for girls and 
women, is easily influenced by her surroundings and the people 
she happens to be with at the time; there is nothing positive or 
assertive about her, and the last person who sees, or advises with 
her, is the one whose opinion she accepts. Farrington speaks of 
the plant's name, Wind flower, as being in keeping with the Pul- 
satilla character, as it is as changeable as the wind. 

Laughter and tears are both very near the surface with our 



682 MATERIA MEDICA. 

patient, and are apt to succeed each other as do sunshine and 
shadow on a typical April day. She is very tender-hearted and 
her feelings are very easily hurt, but she is never sullen and never 
mopes. 

She is inclined to be fretful and too full of care, and if she has 
no troubles of her own, she is ready to condole and weep with 
any of her friends who may be afflicted, but she craves and needs 
sympathy in her own trials. She wants company, dislikes to be 
alone, and must tell her troubles to someone, even when she 
knows that the recital of her real or fancied wrongs, and the 
receipt of the sympathy that she longs for, will make her cry. 
When she is blue she will tell you that she feels as if a good cry 
would make her feel better; and it will. Oliver Wendell Holmes 
unconsciously described the Pulsatilla temperament when he 
spoke of a woman who was "subject to lachrymose cataclysms." 

As this disposition, modified more or less, is an almost constant 
accompaniment of any disease calling for this remedy, it is sel- 
dom safe, in these days of family medical books, to tell your 
patient that you have given her Pulsatilla. 

Pulsatilla holds a prominent position as a catarrhal remedy. 
Any portion of the mucous membrane may be affected and the 
discharges are, as a general rule, profuse, thick, yellow and puru- 
lent, as well as bland or non-excoriating. 

In the eyes it will be found of frequent use for catarrhal con- 
junctivitis, whether due to cold (73) or after measles; the lids 
will be found agglutinated in the morning, but without any 
especial redness or other evidence that the discharge has caused 
irritation. It is of value for pustular conjunctivitis (76) and 
for inflammation and fistula (125) of the lachrymal duct. In 
opthalmia neonatorum it follows well after Argentum nit., with 
thick, bland discharge that tends to collect over the cornea 
and may be removed by wiping. The general inflammatory con- 
ditions in the eyes would have relief from cold applications or 
when in the open air. There is a general tendency to styes, especi- 
ally affecting the lower lid, and many physicians use Pulsatilla 
as a prophylactic against their recurrence (183). (I have had 
much better success with Staphisagria as a preventive.) 



PULSATILLA NIGRICANS. 683 

In the ears it is of value for catarrhal and other inflamma- 
tions from cold, with pains darting, tearing and shifting, involv- 
ing even the face and teeth. The pains are worse evening and 
night and relieved by cold applications. The discharges from the 
ears are thick, purulent or bloody, not especially offensive and 
seldom excoriating (63), associated with deafness, and feeling as 
if the ears were stopped, and involvment of the Eustachian tube 
(63). It is frequently indicated in deafness due to cold or fol- 
lowing measles or scarlet fever (63). 

Pulsatilla "is one of our most frequent remedies for an ordi- 
nary cold in the nose" (Allen) when it reaches the catarrhal stage. 
The nose may be sore and swollen and the discharge is profuse 
and thick; it is easily removed on blowing the nose and does not 
excoriate. The discharge may alternate from one side to the 
other, with stoppage of the opposite side and the discharge is 
more profuse and the stoppage (40) more pronounced in the even- 
ing and when in a warm room. In these conditions there is 
usually loss of smell (170), rarely of taste, and aggravation late 
in the afternoon and evening. The mucus from the nose is more 
or less offensive and is likened in odor to that of an old catarrh 
(143). It is useful in ozsena (148) with offensive mucus, and in 
catarrh of the antrum of Highmore (117), with orange-colored 
discharge of a urinous odor, especially from the r. nostril. 

(The cough and other catarrhal conditions will be spoken of 
in their proper order.) 

Vertigo, as if intoxicated (207), is a frequent accompaniment 
of other Pulsatilla symptoms and is usually associated with 
nausea and gastric disturbances, or with suppressed menses. 
There is vertigo on rising from bed (207) forcing one to lie down, 
and when stooping (207) so that she could hardly rise again, but 
it is especially noticed on looking upward (207), and worse while 
sitting or lying. 

Pulsatilla is of value for headaches involving the forepart of 
the head, usually associated with the thought of having eaten too 
much (97), or with regret at having taken dessert, and accom- 
panied by qualmishness and disgust at even hearing the name 
or any fat food or pastry (6). The headaches and facial neu- 



684 MATERIA MEDICA. 

ralgias calling for the remedy are frequently due to disorders of 
digestion (97) or to some irregularity of the menstrual function 
(95) and in general are worse towards evening and during the 
night, worse in a close room (95) or from the warmth of the bed, 
better from pressure (92), from cold applications (92) and when 
in the open air (92); there is also relief when walking slowly 
(93). 

Allen, in the Handbook, speaks of " supraorbital neuralgia of 
the r. side" (76) and " infraorbital neuralgia of the left side, 
with profuse secretion from the left nostril," but as a usual thing 
Pulsatilla has no decided preference for either side. 

It is useful for headache associated with nausea and vomiting, 
and relieved in the open air, headache preceding or during men- 
struation (95) or due to suppression of the menses. 

Pulsatilla is often indicated in neuralgic toothache and for 
the toothache of pregnancy (188), always worse in the evening 
until midnight and in a warm room (187), relieved when walking 
about (187) and while holding cold water in the mouth (187) and 
ceasing entirely in the open air (187). 

I well recall a case of neuralgic toothache, with these symp- 
toms of amelioration, that I thought called for Coffea. Not 
having the 30th with me, I gave Pulsatilla 1st as the next best, 
intending to bring the Coffea the following day. Had no need 
for it, as Pulsatilla had cured before my return. 

In disorders of digestion and especially that form which, 
according to early foreign literature, all Americans suffer from, 
dyspepsia from eating pie, Pulsatilla is a valuable remedy. 
Whether we call it dyspepsia, atonic dyspepsia (178) or plain 
indigestion, there is, in general, an aggravation from and a dis- 
gust for, rich, fat (6) or greasy foods; fried food, buckwheat 
cakes, pastry of all kinds, and ice-cream, if the richness of the 
cream is the cause of the trouble. 

There are eructations tasting of the food, waterbrash (179), 
nausea, aversion even to the thought of meat or any rich food, 
no thirst, a more or less greasy, bilious taste in the mouth (186), 
and a heavily furred tongue. There is distention of the abdomen 
(13), rumbling and gurgling of flatus (11) and may be colic, 



PULSATILLA NIGRICANS. 685 

especially when associated with menstrual troubles (138), but 
a hot-water bag over this region would be distasteful and afford 
no relief. 

Frequently there is a feeling of distress in the lower part of 
the oesophagus, as if some of the food had lodged there instead of 
descending into the stomach, a condition often referred to as a 
sensation of a lump or load in the stomach (179). 

An important point to keep in mind in reference to Pulsatilla 
is that the gastric and abdominal troubles, eructations, heart- 
burn (179), distention, etc., are not noticed directly after eating 
but come on an hour (177) or more after eating and last until it 
is time for the next meal. For this reason patients will some- 
times think that eating relieves the distress. 

It is of value for the vomiting of pregnancy (153), where we 
have as the extreme picture, our light-haired, blue-eyed, doll- 
faced wife, with aggravation towards evening or at night and 
general relief while in the open air. 

There is in Pulsatilla a desire for acids (9) and sour things. 

In the abdomen we have rumbling and gurgling (11) from the 
moving of flatus from one part of the intestines to another, and 
with more or less pain, and it is to be thought of in colic from 
cold, from fruit and rich food, as well as in menstrual colic (138). 

Pulsatilla is to be thought of for haemorrhoids associated with 
gastric derangements; there is a good deal of itching (159) worse 
evening and night and they usually bleed easily (85) especially 
after the stools. 

It is of value for intestinal catarrh, with burning in the abdo- 
men and mucous stools, for diarrhoea that alternates with con- 
stipation (58) and for diarrhoea from fright (57), from pastry 
and ice-cream (58). The movements are of green mucus (59) 
or green as from bile, and watery, with aggravation at night and 
from being in a warm room; they are preceded by rumbling and 
griping in the abdomen, and with pain in the small of the back. 
Hahnemann, in a foot-note, says: " These kinds of nocturnal 
diarrhoea are characterisitc of Pulsatilla, and are hardly met with 
in such marked manner in any other medicine" (Mat. Med. Pura). 

Pulsatilla is to be thought of in nocturnal enuresis (198) as 



686 MATERIA MEDICA. 

well as in involuntary micturition on coughing (52), emitting 
flatus or when walking (198). It is useful in catarrh of the bladder 
from taking cold, from gonorrhceal extension or during pregnancy, 
with frequent desire, incontinence if they have to wait and a 
great deal of mucous sediment (199). 

It is of frequent use in enlarged prostate (155), with the above 
bladder symptoms and in the latter stage of gonorrhoea, with 
profuse, slimy, bland discharge. 

It is at times indicated when the urine is loaded with ammonium 
urate, especially in young children. 

In the male sexual organs it is frequently indicated. In 
orchitis, due to taking cold, injury or to a suppressed gonorrhoea 
(188), and in epididymitis (188), with dragging pain and sore- 
ness, pains in the small of the back, chilliness and nausea. It 
is also of value for neuralgia of the testicle (188), with tearing, 
lancinating pains, but in all these conditions we must remember, 
that if Pulsatilla is the remedy, there is no relief from warm 
applications, but rather an aggravation from their use (188). 

In disorders of the female sexual organs this is a remedy of 
prime importance. Someone has well said that if Hahnemann 
had done nothing more than to discover the virtues of Pulsatilla, 
women would be justified in mentioning his name every night in 
their prayers. Its pathogenesis covers a field to which they are 
especially or exclusively susceptible and our clinical experience 
has so enlarged its sphere that it seems as if there were no limit 
to its usefulness. 

To follow them from before the time of sexual activity to the 
full period of maternity, we notice first that this remedy is of 
value for chlorosis (17) in young girls, with chilliness and slug- 
gish circulation, hot flushes at night, no thirst, aversion to nour- 
ishing food, peevish and tearful moods and a longing for fresh 
air. 

Pulsatilla is an antidote to quinine (158) and, to a less degree, 
to iron and Farrington calls particular attention to its value 
when the chlorosis has been complicated by the abuse of both 
iron and quinine, saying that in such cases it will frequently be 
the first, if not the only remedy needed. 



PULSATILLA NIGRICANS. 687 

On reaching the age of puberty, the menstrual function of the 
Pulsatilla patient does not assert itself (134), or the menses 
appear vicariously (138), especially as nosebleed, and we have 
headache, backache, indigestion, tears and general chilliness. 
We also have the menses suppressed for that month (134), or 
unduly delayed, with dysmenorrhcea, and due to catching cold 
(134) or getting her feet wet (134) just before the menstrual 
period. 

Menstruation under Pulsatilla is too late (136), too scanty and 
of too short duration, Lilienthal giving additional prominence 
to the symptom, "flow more in daytime and while walking about, 
very little at night" (134), Hahnemann saying: "It is particu- 
larly suitable for females when their menses usually come on some 
days after the proper time" (Mat. Med. Pura). 

There is a leucorrhoea before the time of puberty (126), and 
preceding the delayed menses (126), which, like other catarrhal 
discharges calling for the remedy, is profuse (126) and bland. 

It is a remedy useful in prolapsus of the uterus (203), "with 
pressure in abdomen and small of back, as from a stone" (Her- 
ing), aggravation when lying down and from heat, better when 
walking in the open air. 

Many disorders of pregnancy, including nausea and vomiting 
(153) and false labor pains (153), call for Pulsatilla, all with the 
characteristic symptoms and the relief while in the open air. 

It is a remedy that seems to have special power on the gravid 
uterus in preserving and causing harmonious action and con- 
traction, and many physicians give it during the last month of 
pregnancy, not only to keep the uterus in tone (152) but also 
to facilitate proper action of the pains at time of labor. In cases 
of abnormal presentation, if detected by the end of the eighth 
month, the use of Pulsatilla will often correct it, by full term, to 
one of normal presentation. This may be a strong assertion, but 
Allen, with all his conservatism and care in making pronounced 
statements, says: "Testimony on this point is so strong that its 
power to rectify abnormal presentations seems undoubted." 

It is quite probable that some of you who have had no particular 
experience with our remedies, that you, when certain statements 



688 MATERIA MEDICA. 

are made in this college, will shake your head and say "that will 
have to be taken ' cum grano salts;'" but I venture to say that 
you, at the end of five years of practice, will be able to make 
statements as to results that you have obtained, that your old- 
school friends will feel need of a whole bag of salt to permit of 
easy deglutition. 

Pulsatilla is to be thought of for phantom tumors anywhere, 
and in young girls we may have lumps in the breasts and even 
secretion of a thin, milk-like fluid. In nursing women there is 
frequently " suppression of, or very scanty supply of milk" 
(Hering) (146). 

The cough of Pulsatilla is loose and the expectoration easy, 
with relief in the open air and aggravation from heat (41) or the 
warmth of the bed. Frequently the cough is dry at night and 
loose during the day (45). Often with the cough, or in asthma 
(19) of children, there is a sensation of suffocation (25) at 
night, with necessity to sit up in bed (41). In haemoptysis 
(27) we would find a sensation of suffocation, with soreness of 
the lungs, both relieved as soon as one gets in the open air. 

There is a general sluggish circulation in Pulsatilla, with chilli- 
ness, " flitting chilliness" or " chills in spots" (Hering), soft 
pulse and palpitation, worse when lying on the 1. side (111). It 
affects the veins of the lower extremities, especially, and is of 
value for phlebitis and varicose veins and ulcers (205), having, 
besides the usual ameliorations and aggravations, the general 
characteristic of coldness of the part affected, with chilliness. 

The backache of Pulsatilla, which starts in the sacrum or hips 
and travels upward to the small of the back, consists especially 
of a sprained sensation or stiffness, worse when lying on back, 
better lying on sides and usually better from change of posi- 
tion (128) and when walking. This form of backache occurs 
during many affections calling for the remedy, especially de- 
layed or suppressed menstruation, prolapsus of the uterus and 
during pregnancy. In spinal irritation (171), along with this 
stiffness, the small of the back feels as if bandaged (165). 

It is a remedy to be thought of for paralytic symptoms, especi- 
ally with suppressed menstruation, with bruised pain or numb- 
ness of the extremities (146). 



RANUNCULUS BULBOSUS. 689 

The rheumatism calling for Pulsatilla is seldom of a highly 
inflammatory character. The joints may be swollen, with sharp, 
stinging or tearing pains, but like all the pains of the remedy, 
they are erratic and not to be depended upon to continue in any 
particular spot for any length of time, for they constantly shift 
from place to place (149), frequently leaving the one place free 
from pain when they attack the other. The pains are better 
from pressure or when lying on the affected side (8), when 
moving about slowly (10) and from cold applications (160); 
worse from warmth and in the evening and at night. It is 
useful for gonorrhceal rheumatism (161) and for gouty symp- 
toms due to indigestion. 

Pulsatilla has, as the result of eating too rich food, an itching 
and burning of the skin that is worse at night and after becoming 
warm in bed (122), and during the day after becoming overheated, 
as from walking, and from scratching (122). 

The Pulsatilla patient is apt to be sleepy in the evening but 
after getting into bed she is restless and fussy (169), feels too 
hot and throws off the covers or puts her arms out to get relief; 
while sleeping the favorite position is on the back with her hands 
above the head. 

In intermittent fever Pulsatilla would be indicated by the 
predominating chill or chilliness (121). Chill at 4 p. m., no 
thirst but with distressing desire for fresh air, followed by 
fever and sweat. During the fever there are frequently heat of 
one part and coldness of another. Sweat is usually profuse the 
rest of the night. Another indication would be: "Paroxysms of 
increasing severity and ever changing symptoms; no two attacks 
alike" (Hering). 

The principal antidote to Pulsatilla is Cojfea. 

I use Pulsatilla 1st. 

RANUNCULUS BULBOSUS 

The Bulbous Rooted Buttercup — The Common Field 

Buttercup. 
(Ranunculus, a medicinal plant.) 
The following history of this plant, as given by Millspaugh, 



690 MATERIA MEDICA. 

could, with a simple change of name, be applied to some varie- 
ties of animal life as found in this country. The buttercup "is an 
immigrant from Europe, now pretty thoroughly established 
along the Atlantic coast, in some places being an actual pest. . . . 
It has not extended far inward, but seems decidedly prone to 
do so." 

Ranunc. bulb, was first proved by Franz, one of Hahnemann's 
followers, who took part in the provings of thirty of Hahnemann's 
drugs. 

Allen tells us that "the 'butter-cups' seem to typify the acrid 
properties of the Ranunculacce in general" (Aeon., Cim., Clem., 
Helleb., Puis., etc., belong to this order); "their pathogeneses are 
remarkably free from the mental symptoms found in most of 
their botanical allies." 

We find as prominent symptoms of this remedy, violent neu- 
ralgic pains and vesicular eruptions which are very painful, for 
Ranunc. bulb, has a peculiarly powerful irritant action on the 
skin, whether applied locally or taken internally. 

We find also a decided aggravation from cold-damp weather 
(9), from change of weather to damp (9) or from change of 
temperature to cold. 

It is to be thought of for the bad effects of intoxicating drinks 
(5) and for delirium tremens (54), especially to ward off a 
threatened attack. 

Among the few mental symptoms of the remedy, and put 
down in ordinary type in the Handbook, we find, "fear in even- 
ing, she does not wish to remain alone (80) she is afraid of 
ghosts." 

There is a neuralgic headache, a pressing pain in forehead or 
vertex as if it would be forced outward, and worse in the evening. 
Some speak of the pressure being on the vertex (103) but it is 
not so stated in the pathogenesis. The headache is worse from 
change of temperature, including entering a warm room (95) 
or from going from a warm room into the outside air, and is 
worse from or caused by change of weather to cold (93). 

It is a remedy useful in hay-fever (88), with aggravation of 
all the symptoms towards evening. There is smarting and 



RANUNCULUS BULBOSUS. 691 

burning in the eyes and lids, stuffiness of the nose (39) and pres- 
sure at the root of the nose (39), but especially tingling and 
crawling in the posterior nares, causing the patient to blow the 
nose, to hawk and to swallow and endeavor in every way to 
scratch the affected part (90). 

There is spasmodic hiccough (116) in Ranunc. bulb., which may 
be due to or associated with an over-indulgence of alcoholic stim- 
ulants. 

It is a remedy useful in inflammation of the diaphragm (56), 
with sharp shooting pains around the hypochondria and back. 
In pleurodynia and intercostal neuralgia it is frequently called 
for (120). There is aggravation from cold or wet changes in the 
weather (9) and while there may (30) or may not be stitches 
in or about the chest on breathing, we always find great soreness 
to touch (30) as if the muscles or particular spots had been 
bruised or pounded. While both sides of the chest are affected 
about equally in the pathogenetic symptoms, we will find in 
practice that it is of especial value in intercostal rheumatism of 
the 1. side. It is a remedy to be thought of for people "who are 
subject to stitches in the chest with every change of weather' ' 
(Farrington) to cold or wet. 

In pneumonia or pleurisy we would have the sharp, sticking 
pains in the chest (30), or sticking pains, with soreness, as from 
subcutaneous ulceration. We find stitches in and between the 
shoulders, or "pain along inner edge of 1. scapular" (Hering) 
(163). 

Ranunc. bulb, is one of our most valuable remedies for herpes 
zoster (114), especially of the forehead and along the supraorbital 
nerve, with intense ciliary pains, or along the intercostal nerves, 
at first with sore rheumatic, or neuralgic pains and later with 
severe burning, stinging, itching and aggravation at night and 
from changes in the temperature or weather to cold or damp. 
The vesicles would be filled with transparent bluish serum and 
the 1. side of the body is more apt to be affected. 

I use Ranunc. bulb. 1st. 



45 



692 MATERIA MEDICA. 

RAPHANUS. 

Black Spanish Radish. 

(Raphanus — pa, ra, quickly; <£aiVw, phaino, to appear; from 
its rapid germination.) 

Raphanus was first proved by Dr. Nusser, of France, in 1840, 
who not only noted the effects obtained from taking from 1-2 
ounces of the tincture, but also from eating from three radishes 
to a large quantity. Others have since proved it in various 
strengths from the tincture to the 30th. 

Dr. Nusser found as a prominent symptom that while there 
was distention and rumbling in the abdomen, it was generally 
painless and associated with no emission of flatus, either upward 
or downward. This symptom has led to the successful use of 
Raphanus in acute and chronic diarrhoeas, stools yellow to green 
(59) and frothy (58), with forcible expulsion and especially 
with the characteristic absence of the emission of gas either 
upward or downward for a long time. 

Allen speaks of Raphanus for constant twitching of the eye- 
lids (79), that almost prevent vision, with rotary motion of the 
eye-ball. 

Raphanus has neuralgic toothache, also toothache during the 
early months of pregnancy (188), that is worse when lying down 
and better when walking about (187). 

A woman prover while taking the 30th dilution developed 
almost uncontrollable sexual desire and it has been used as a 
remedy in nymphomania (147). 

I use Raphanus 3rd. 

RHODODENDRON. 

Russian Yellow-flowered Rhododendron — Yellow 
Rosebay. 

(poScoSevSpov, Rhododendron, the oleander, poBev, roden, rose; 
SevSpov, dendron, tree.) 

The Rhododendron of our Materia Medica is a Siberian shrub, 
the Russian intoxicant and anti-rheumatic, the Yellow snowrose 



RHODODENDRON. 693 

or rosebay. (The American Rosebay, or Great laurel, the Rhodo- 
dendron maximum, has not been proved.) 

Dunham tells us that: "Like most of our valuable remedies," 
Rhododendron "was first successfully used by those pioneers of 
therapeutic science, 'the old grandmothers/ in domestic practice 
for centuries before it attracted the attention of scientific men." 
In the case of this remedy the first users were "the Cossacks and 
Mongolians, who regarded it as a specific for rheumatism and 
gout." 

Rhododendron was first proved for our use in Germany by Dr. 
Seidel, and it soon obtained a place of its own in the treatment 
of rheumatic pains. 

In general, the action of Rhododendron is especially upon the 
fibrous and serous tissues. 

The pains in the limbs and joints affect chiefly the forearm and 
hand, including the fingers, and the leg and foot; they seem to 
have their seat deep in, as if in the bone or periosteum; "they 
attack but a small extent of the limb at once" (Dunham). These 
pains often intermit for indefinite periods of time, days more or 
less, "leaving spontaneously and re-appearing capriciously" 
(Dunham), but with the general indication of increase or re- 
appearance of the pains before a storm and during unsettled 
weather (9). 

Some of the pathogenetic symptoms read: "Drawing as if in 
marrow, worse bad weather. Sensitiveness in windy and cold 
weather. Almost all symptoms reappear with rough weather" 
and we think of Rhododendron for a patient who is independent 
of the Weather Bureau, as his pains raise the first storm signal. 
The word storm, as here used, includes cloudy, windy and cold 
weather, and especially thunder-storms (9) or electrical dis- 
turbances in the air. It is not necessary that the patient should 
be exposed to the elements in order to develop the indications 
for the remedy; he may be in bed or in a warm room, but the 
mere fact of the approaching change in the weather is enough to 
aggravate his symptoms. 

Hering mentions this symptom as calling for the remedy: 
"Nervous persons who dread a storm and are particularly afraid 



694 MATERIA MEDICA. 

of thunder." While I am inclined to question its value, I give 
it, as we can find frequent opportunities to test it. 

The rheumatic pains are frequently associated with coldness 
of the extremities (163), and with the pains there is a general 
aggravation during rest, with relief from motion (10) and from 
heat (10). 

This differentiation we can keep in mind; Rhododendron and 
Rhus tox. both have aggravation of their rheumatic pains during 
rest; in Rhododendron moving relieves at once, while in Rhus tox. 
the first movement aggravates the pain and relief only comes 
as he begins to limber up. 

Rhododendron is useful in chronic rheumatism of small joints 
(161) and in rheumatoid arthritis (161). Dunham calls our 
attention to its use in " chronic rheumatism which stimulates 
rheumatic gout, but is distinct from it" inasmuch as "the enlarge- 
ments of the joints" calling for Rhododendron "are produced by 
fibrinous deposits and not by chalky excretions." He also speaks 
of its value "in affections of the great toe joint, often mistaken 
for bunion, but which is really rheumatic." 

It is useful in rheumatic headache, with tearing pain as if in 
the bones of the skull, and involving the forehead and temples, 
the pains worse in the morning in bed and better after rising and 
moving about (93), worse from wine (98) and from wet (98) 
and cold weather and better from warm wraps or applications 
(92). 

In the eye Rhododendron has been used with success in muscular 
asthenopia (72), and in threatening glaucoma, the pains worse 
on the approach of a storm, and better after the storm broke. 
It is also of value in ciliary neuralgia (75), worse before a storm. 

It has a facial neuralgia, with involvement of both dental 
nerves, the pains drawing, tearing and jerking, worse change of 
weather to stormy (79), better from warmth (187) and from 
eating. The toothache is usually neuralgic and caused by cold 
(187) and is better from heat (187) and while eating (187). 

There is also a chronic pain in the 1. side of the abdomen, under 
the short ribs, that is better by eating (174). 

The diarrhoea of Rhododendron, with stools of undigested food, 



RHUS AROMATICA. 695 

(60), is worse from eating fruit (57) and from cold, wet weather 
(58), and associated with general rheumatic pains. 

It is a valuable remedy in epididymitis (188) and orchitis (188), 
with the testicle swollen (188) and indurated (188), with drawing 
up pains extending to the abdomen and a pronounced sensation 
as if the testicle were being squeezed or crushed (188). 

I use Rhododendron 3rd. 

RHUS AROMATICA. 

Fragrant Sumac — Sweet Sumac. 

This shrub, which is the least poisonous of all our indigenous 
species of Rhus, has had little or no proving and is only spoken 
of clinically in the Handbook. 

Diabetes (56) is mentioned as being cured by this remedy 
and it would seem to be especially indicated when pruritus of the 
vulva is an additional complication. All reports that I have 
been able to find speak of its use in this condition in appreciable 
doses, from 10 drops of the tincture every four hours, to teaspoon- 
ful doses three times a day. 

I have had good success with Rhus arom. in two cases of noc- 
turnal enuresis (198), my especial thought, in the absence of 
known symptoms of the remedy, being the profuse flow and 
saturation of the bed, without the child being in the least dis- 
turbed. 

I use Rhus arom. in the tincture. 

RHUS TOXICODENDRON. 

Mercury Vine — Poison Ivy — The Three-leaved Ivy. 

(Rhus, sumac; toxlkov, toxikon, poison + SevSpov, dendron, tree.) 
Some of the peculiarities of this plant in reference to its pois- 
onous qualities are, that it is "more poisonous at night, or at any 
time during June or July'' (at time of flowering) "when the sun 
is not shining upon it. Absence of sunlight, together with damp- 
ness, seems to favor the exhalation of the volatile principle" 
(oil) "contained in the leaves" (Millspaugh). In the Homceo- 



696 MATERIA MEDICA. 

pathic Pharmacopoeia we are told to gather the leaves after 
sunset on cloudy, sultry days, from shady places. 

Another peculiarity is its choice of victims, many persons being 
entirely devoid of response to its influence and can even chew the 
leaves with impunity, while others are so susceptible to it that 
with the wind blowing in their direction from the plant a severe 
case of poisoning is contracted. Again, "it has no apparent 
external effect upon animals, and a few of them, such as the 
horse, mule and goat, eat its leaves with impunity' ' (U. S. Depart, 
of Agricult. Bulletin, No. 86). 

The degree of susceptibility possessed by different people to 
disease and to poisons is of especial interest to us as homoeopathic 
physicians and it is, I believe, something that each one of us 
must study by noticing the effect of potencies on his various 
patients. 

At the present time, the best potency of a particular remedy 
to be used, as a general rule, is our individual preference. This, 
I fear, will always remain the case. It surely will unless we are 
more willing to give others credit for honesty of purpose who 
differ with us, and are willing to listen, like the scientific men 
we claim to be, to anyone of our friends who uses a potency differ- 
ent from the one that we are accustomed to. Physicians must 
work this problem out, for we cannot depend on the laymen's 
statements, for too many still have the idea that the worse they 
feel, the stronger the medicine must be to effect a cure, and I 
believe it to be against the best interests of our patients to dis- 
cuss potency with them. If I have no knowledge of the patient's 
peculiarities to lead me to think differently, my first choice of 
potency for Rhus tox. is the 30th, as it seems to me to work more 
satisfactorily than any other; yet, on two well-remembered occa- 
sions it had no apparent effect, while the 3rd cured promptly. 

The local skin symptoms of Rhus tox., especially the itching, 
are worse from warmth (122), while the rheumatic and neuralgic 
pains are worse from cold and relieved by warmth (10). 

Another pronounced peculiarity of Rhus tox. is spoken of by 
Hahnemann, who first proved the remedy, as follows: "We ob- 
serve this curious action (which is found in very few other medi- 



RHUS TOXICODENDRON. 697 

cines, and in these never in such a great degree), viz., the severest 
symptoms and sufferings are excited when the body or the limb is at 
rest and kept as much as possible without movement." There is 
also aggravation on first beginning to move, from dampness, 
and during stormy and wet weather (000) and it is of value for the 
"bad effects of getting wet, especially after being heated" (Her- 
ing). 

It is one of our restless remedies (160). 

A prominent action of Rhus tox. is on fibrous tissues, with 
especial reference to the sheaths of muscles, the tendons and 
aponeuroses. Allen says: "The rheumatic pains it produces are 
like multiple neuritis and inflammation of the fibrous sheaths of 
muscles; its numbness like the effects of neuritis." In muscular 
rheumatism and lumbago there is not much inflammation or 
fever, but there is soreness and stiffness of the parts and general 
aggravation from cool air. The pains are worse while at rest and 
on first beginning to move, and while this is true, the patient is 
restless and must shift his position, although he knows that it 
will hurt and afford no relief, except momentarily to his restless- 
ness. 

However, if he is up and able to keep in motion, he will find 
that he limbers up, the stiffness wears away and he feels greatly 
relieved, provided he does not overdo. If he does too much or 
walks too far, it seems to cause a strain on the muscles and 
aggravates the condition. In lumbago there is relief from bend- 
ing backward (128). 

It is of great value for muscular pains resulting from a suddenly 
checked perspiration, especially by dampness, for rheumatic 
paralysis from getting wet or lying on damp ground (149) and 
for neuritis of almost every nerve in the body, characterized, 
among other symptoms, by numbness (146) and paralytic stiff- 
ness. 

It is of value for the effects of strains on muscles (173), especi- 
ally from over-exercising, lifting, stooping or from working in 
water (8). The pains of Rhus tox. are worse from cold and better 
from heat (the stiffness being notably relieved by warm applica- 
tions), and there is general aggravation during wet weather. 



698 MATERIA MEDICA. 

It is generally indicated in low types of diseases, including 
typhus fever (193) or when acute diseases assume a typhoid form. 
In typhoid it is very frequently called for, with great prostration 
and offensive, involuntary diarrhoea. There is usually a mild 
delirium, perhaps with attempts to get out of bed (53) but 
especially with fear of being poisoned (53) and refusal to take 
either medicine or food. The tongue in fevers is sore, dry and 
cracked, and has a red triangular tip (192). There is in these 
cases extreme nervous restlessness (160), both mental and 
physical, and it is sometimes difficult to say whether the mental 
anguish or the physical suffering is the cause of the restlessness. 

It is also useful in intermittent fever, and here, besides the 
usual rheumatic aching and restlessness so characteristic of the 
remedy, we often have a dry, teasing cough (121) that precedes 
and continues during the chill; this cough is apt to be aggravated 
by cold air (40). 

I once cured a case of intermittent fever of two weeks standing, 
being guided to this remedy primarily by a cough excited by 
any breath of cool air. 

During the febrile stage of intermittent fever, there is no cough, 
but urticaria (121) breaks out over the whole body, with in- 
tense itching. 

There is more or less vertigo in Rhus tox. and at times, on 
shaking the head, a sensation as if the brain were loose (91) 
and hit against the skull. 

The headaches are severe, neuralgic or congestive, and fre- 
quently located in the occiput (100), better perhaps by bending 
the head backward (98). They may be the result of exposure 
to a draft or to dampness, are worse from cold, during wet weather 
(98) and in the morning after lying (95) and are better from 
heat (92) and motion (93). We also have neuralgic headache 
or migraine (99) that is only relieved by taking a long and brisk 
walk. 

In meningitis (133) calling for this remedy, we would have 
rheumatic stiffness in nape of neck and generally better from 
lying with the head on something hard (92). 

In the eye Rhus tox. is indicated in many and severe inflamma- 



RHUS TOXICODENDRON. 699 

tory disorders, characterized in a general way by great external 
swelling of the lids and sub-mucous cellular tissue, and profuse, 
yellow, purulent discharges. In the cases where the lids are 
affected there will be found, usually, spasmodic closure, with 
"profuse gushes of hot tears on opening them" (Hering). It is 
useful in conjunctivitis from exposure to wet (73), in ptosis 
(78) and "paralysis of any muscles of the eyeball" (Hering) 
from cold or wet, and in scrofulous ophthalmia (76), in pustules 
(76) and ulcers (77) on the cornea; in the latter class of cases 
the photophobia is so great that the patient lies constantly with 
the head buried in the pillow. 

In suppurative iritis, especially if of traumatic origin, as after 
cataract operation, and for orbital cellulitis, whatever the origin 
of the trouble, traumatic or not, it is of the first importance. It 
is also of great value and frequently indicated in rheumatic iritis 
(74). 

Rhus tox. is of value in rheumatism of the jaws (123), with a 
feeling as if they would crack or break on chewing (123), and, 
says Dunham, "there is a constant desire to yawn, until it seems 
as though the jaw would break. (This corresponds with, and is 
analogous to, the stretching and twisting so characteristic of 
Rhus)." It is also of value in those cases where the jaw dislocates 
easily (123). 

Rhus tox. has facial neuralgia (79) and toothache, worse in 
the evening and from cold air (187) and relieved by heat or warm 
applications; sometimes a jumping toothache calling for this 
remedy is momentarily relieved by the application of a cold hand 
to the face. 

Erysipelas of the face and head (68) frequently call for Rhus 
tox. and will be spoken of under the skin symptoms. It is of 
value in mumps, especially when it accompanies or follows 
scarlet fever or diphtheria, and in particular with pronounced and 
continued hardness of the parotid gland. 

There are no pronounced gastric symptoms, but in the abdomen 
we have numerous inflammatory conditions, including appendi- 
citis and peritonitis, associated with typhoid fever or typhoid 
symptoms, such as the dry, cracked tongue, with red triangular 
tip, putrid, involuntary stools, prostration, restlessness, etc. 



700 MATERIA MEDICA. 

It has a colic better bending double (174) and from mov- 
ing and it must be remembered for soreness of the abdominal 
walls, especially in the morning, the result of straining (173). 

It is useful for blind haemorrhoids (86) that protrude after 
every stool, and associated with backache and pressure in rectum 
as if everything would be forced out, and for fissure of the anus 
(159), with sore, protruding piles. 

In the diarrhoea, which may be without odor, or very offensive 
and putrid (59), the stools contain transparent lumps of jelly- 
like mucus (60), or consist of thin, red mucus or bloody water, 
like meat- washings (60), and may be involuntary, especially at 
night, or accompanied by tenesmus (61) and tearing pains down 
the thighs. The diarrhoea may be the result of typhoid, from 
getting wet or of " a strain" (Bell). In dysentery, calling for the 
remedy, the craving for cold milk (57) is said to be very marked. 

It is useful in croupous nephritis (124), with pain and soreness 
over the region of the kidneys and for cystitis, with tenesmus, 
the result of exposure to cold and dampness. It is also to be 
thought of in weakness or paralysis of the bladder (22), with 
dribbling, and for oxaluria (200). 

It is of value for erysipelatous inflammation of the genital 
organs of both sexes. 

In the female there are several additional points of interest. 
There is prolapsus of the uterus (203) due to " straining or lift- 
ing" (Hering), amenorrhcea from getting her feet wet (134), 
membranous dysmenorrhoea (138), always worse from dampness, 
and " rheumatic dysmenorrhoea" (Minton). Minton says: "Rhus 
tox. is an important remedy for all uterine complaints resulting 
from exposure to cold, damp weather, getting caught out in a 
storm or otherwise thoroughly drenched. Complaints so origi- 
nating, whether of long-standing or of recent occurrence, call for 
Rhus." 

In the heart we have hypertrophy (110) and palpitation from 
over-exertion (111) and in organic disease of the heart, due to 
rheumatism (162) we have violent palpitation (112), worse when 
sitting still, and stitches and pains in the region of the heart, 
extending down the 1. arm (110). 



RHUS TOXICODENDRON. 701 

Those of you who have been poisoned by Rhus tox. will have 
an idea of the appearance and the sensations of the various 
skin lesions in which this remedy plays such an important part. 
Allen says: "The contact of this poisonous plant produces in 
sensitive persons the most violent dermatitis, with (1) vesicular 
eruptions (eczematous), (2) erysipelatous inflammation of the 
deeper layers, with bullae or boils, or with an extensive phleg- 
monous infiltration leading on to formation of abscesses and even 
septic infection." 

Dearborn says: " Macules, papules, vesicles, pustules, with the 
consequent formation of scales and crusts are the most common 
lesions and of these, vesicles are the most typical.' ' The ves- 
icles are at first filled with a colorless or yellow, watery-looking 
fluid, very like the blebs caused by a burn, and the vesicles tend 
to form scabs. The eruption is usually not uniform and there 
is a tendency for it to spread rather than to penetrate deeply into 
the tissues. The most characteristic sensations are burning and 
itching, which are much aggravated by warmth (122). 

Some of the names of the various skin lesions for which Rhus 
tox. is of value are, acne rosacea, urticaria (201), especially if 
chronic, eczema, herpes zoster (114), erysipelas (68), perhaps 
with a tendency to travel "from 1. to r." (Lilienthal), (Apis the 
reverse), purpura hemorrhagica (158). 

In small-pox calling for Rhus tox. the pustules are blackish 
or bloody, along with a general typhoid condition and dark, bloody 
diarrhoea. 

Bryonia is antidotal to Rhus tox. to a certain degree, Hahne- 
mann speaking of them as "these two antagonistic sister remedies" 
(Mat. Med. Pura). 

Apis and Phos. are said to be incompatible with Rhus tox. 

I use Rhus tox. 30th. 

In reference to Rhus poisoning we must remember "that the 
poison is a non-volatile oil" that "is found in all parts of the 
plant, even in the wood after long drying. Like all oils, it is 
insoluble in water, and cannot, therefore, be washed off the 
skin with water alone. It is readily removed by alcohol" (U. S. 
Depart. Agriculture, Bulletin No. 86). 



702 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Millspaugh says: "There are almost as many antidotes recom- 
mended for Rhus tox. poisoning as for the bite of the rattle- 
snake/' while internally most of the drugs in the Materia Medic a 
have been spoken of as valuable. 

Dunham says, "the best remedy is Sepia." I have used Crot. 
tig. 2nd in the majority of cases. Grind, rob. both internally and 
locally is very efficacious. 

ROBINIA. 

robinia pseud-acacia — false or bastard acacia 

Locust Tree. 

Robinia was named by Linnaeus after Jean Robin, herbalist to 
Henry IV of France. The true acacia is the Egyptian tree, 
Acacia Arabica. 

Robinia, the common locust tree of the United States, was 
first proved, in a fragmentary way, by Dr. Burt. Our tincture 
is prepared from the fresh bark of young twigs. 

" Robinia produces pre-eminently an acid condition of the 
secretions" (Hale)) (178). It is useful in acid dyspepsia (178), 
with a constant weight in the stomach (179), eructations of sour 
liquid (178) and sometimes with vomiting. The eructations and 
vomitus are intensely sour, so sour that they set the teeth on 
edge, and even the breath smells sour. It is of value in sick- 
headache when associated with this acidity of the stomach. 

The most prominent features of the remedy, next to sourness, 
is a sensation of burning in the stomach (178) and burning be- 
tween the shoulder-blades (168). 

We may have in the indigestion calling for the remedy, lanci- 
nating pains extending to the chest (180) or to the top of the 
shoulder-blades (180). 

We often have a constant squeezing pain after eating (177) 
and inability to eat more than once a day on account of the 
distress which food causes. It has relieved the pains of cancer 
of the stomach (178) when associated with acid eructations and 
vomiting. 

I use Robinia in the tincture. 



RUMEX CRISPUS. 703 

RUMEX CRISPUS. 

Yellow Dock — Curled Dock. 

(Rumex — derivation unknown — thought by some to be de- 
rived from rumo, I suck, in allusion to the Romans sucking the 
sour sorrel to allay thirst. Crispus, curled.) 

This troublesome weed is one of the thirteen species of dock 
growing in this country. The root, which we use to prepare our 
tincture, has been used in medicine from ancient times and has 
enjoyed a reputation that has outlasted that of many more 
powerful drugs. 

It was originally proved for our school by Dr. H. A. Houghton 
for his graduating thesis from Hahnemann Medical College of 
Philadelphia, in 1852; a much more accurate proving was made 
by Dr. B. F. Joslin, of New York, and published in 1858. 

Rumex, says Hughes, "has some influence on the skin and 
mucous membrane . . . , but its main action is exerted upon 
the respiratory mucous membrane and especially on the larynx." 
In several of the conditions calling for the remedy there is a 
pronounced sensitiveness to cold (5) or open air. 

In gastric disorders, dyspepsia and gastralgia, there is a good 
deal of flatulence, which cannot be gotten rid of, and distress 
after eating (177). The pains in the stomach, which are especi- 
ally of an aching character, extend to the back (180), up into 
the chest (180) and throat, with, as the most pronounced feature, 
relief from lying perfectly quiet. Any motion (178), even the 
moving of the hands, or the exertion of talking will greatly 
aggravate the pains. It is to be thought of also, when the gastric 
troubles are the result of excessive tea drinking (7). 

The diarrhoea of Rumex is worse in the early morning, hurrying 
the patient out of bed, and associated with a dry cough (61). 
In the chronic diarrhoea calling for the remedy (58) the move- 
ments are frequent between 5 and 9 a. m., and consist of brown 
water. 

The cough, which is the most frequently found condition for 
which we prescribe Rumex, is caused by a tickling in the throat 
or supra-sternal fossa (44) as if from a feather (43) ; it is short, 



704 MATERIA MEDICA. 

dry and more or less constant (44). The cough is especially 
worse at night on lying down, lasting for a couple of hours (10- 
12 p. m.)« There is relief in the warm air (40) and a very de- 
cided aggravation, at all hours, from cold air (40); during the 
day the patient will cover the mouth with the hand and at night 
in bed he will bury the head in the covers so as to warm the air 
before breathing it. A deep inspiration (41) will bring on a 
paroxysmal cough. 

The following description of the cough of this remedy, as given 
by Dunham, is referred to by Hughes and quoted by Hale: 
"Rumex diminishes the secretions, and at the same time exalts, 
in a very marked manner, the sensibility of the mucous mem- 
brane of the larynx and trachea, exceeding in the extent of this 
exaltation any remedy known to us. The cough, therefore, i& 
frequent and continuous, to an extent quite out of proportion to 
the degree of organic affection of the mucous membrane. It 
is dry, occurs in long paroxysms, or, under certain circumstances, 
is almost uninterrupted. It is induced or greatly aggravated by 
any irregularity or respiration, such as an inspiration a little 
deeper or more rapid than usual; by an inspiration of air a little 
colder than that previously inhaled; by irregularity of respira- 
tion and motion of the larynx and trachea, such as are involved 
in the act of speech; and by external pressure upon the trachea,, 
in the region of the supra-sternal fossa (44). 

"The subjective symptoms are rawness and soreness in the 
trachea, extending a short distance below the supra-sternal fossa, 
and laterally into the bronchi, chiefly the left ; and tickling in the 
supra-sternal fossa, and behind the sternum, provoking cough 
. . . The cough occurs chiefly, or is much worse, in the evening 
after retiring, and at the time the membrane of the trachea is 
particularly sensitive to cold air and to any irregularity in the 
flow of air over the surface; so that the patient often covers the 
head with the bedclothes to avoid the cold air of the apartment, 
and refuses to speak, or even to listen to conversation, lest his 
attention should be withdrawn from his respiratory acts, which 
he performs with the most careful uniformity and deliberation, 
and all in the hope of preventing the distressing tickling and 



RUTA. 705 

harassing cough which would ensue from neglect of these precau- 
tions." 

In asthma (19) there are found violent spasms of coughing, 
with sense of suffocation, and aggravation at 2 a. m. (21). 

On the skin, under Rumex, there is irritability, greater than the 
amount of inflammation, with a good deal of itching but little 
or no appearance of an eruption until after irritating the skin by 
scratching. The itching is better from scratching and from heat, 
as from the warmth of the bed, and is worse from exposure of the 
skin to cold air, as when undressing (122) and on rising in the 
morning. It is useful in chronic urticaria (201) worse during 
cold weather. 

I use Rumex 6th. 

RUTA. 

Ruta Graveolens — Rue. 

(Ruta, rue.) 

The European garden rue, an ancient remedy that was believed 
to ward off contagion, as well as being the witches' drug, was 
first proved by Hahnemann. 

There are two prominent symptoms to keep in mind in refer- 
ence to Ruta; the one, a feeling of soreness as if bruised (166), 
which may be general or only of particular portions of the body; 
the other, in rheumatic and sciatic conditions, an aggravation 
from wet or cold applications or weather (9) and amelioration 
from motion (10). 

Ruta is of value in asthenopia (72) the result of over-use of 
the eyes from near work, with a feeling of fatigue or of heat as 
if the eyes were a ball of fire. 

It has proved of benefit in chronic dyspepsia, the result of 
straining the muscles across the stomach when carrying a heavy 
weight, and for urticaria (201) brought on by eating meat. 

There is easy prolapse of the rectum (160) either with a soft 
stool or after ineffectual urging. 

There may be incontinence of urine at night (198) or a fre- 
quent desire to pass urine during the day, can hardly wait; if she 
cannot attend to the call, it seems to paralyze the bladder with 
inability to void any when the opportunity presents itself. 



706 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Ruta is of value for stiffness of the back, wrists and ankles 
(161), due to rheumatism or following sprains (173) and for 
synovitis from strains, with the general indications in rheumatic 
conditions that the parts feel as if bruised and with aggravation 
from cold or cold-wet weather (9), and relief from motion (10) 
and probably from heat. 

I use Ruta 3rd. 

SABADILLA. 

Veratrum Sabadilla — Indian Caustic Barley. 

(Spanish, Cebadilla, from cebada, barley.) 

Sabadilla, which is a source from which is obtained veratrin, 
is like Verat. alb., an acrid emetic and cathartic, with a very 
decided action on the nose. 

Hahnemann took part in the proving of Sabadilla. 

There is a general sensitiveness to (5) and aggravation from 
cold and a tendency to a regular return of the symptoms at the 
same hour each day. 

One of the provers had numerous fanciful ideas about his body 
and it has been used with success for imaginary diseases or where 
patients insist that they have various troubles that do not exist, 
" imagines himself sick" (Lippe); "that she is pregnant, when 
she is merely swollen from flatus" (Hering). 

There may be sudden vertigo on waking at night, or when 
rising from stooping, and Allen speaks of headache better from 
eating (92). 

Sabadilla is of value in influenza, especially hay fever (88), 
with burning and tingling in the nose, complete obstruction (39), 
and increased sneezing and lachrymation when in the open air. 

(Ars. iod. and Sabadilla are two remedies that are frequently 
used in hay-fever, and while they have many symptoms in com- 
mon, there is as the pronounced point of differentiation, that 
in the former the nose is free for breathing purposes, while in the 
latter it is stopped or "stuffed"). 

In the stomach we have a longing for sweets (9), absence of 
thirst and general relief of all symptoms after eating (174). 



SABINA. 707 

Worms (208) occupy an important place in the prescribing of 
Sabadilla, it having been used even for the expulsion of tape- 
worms. There may be colic from worms, a feeling of a worm in 
the pharynx or vomiting of round worms, and convulsive symp- 
toms or irritation of the external genitals from thread worms. 

In intermittent fever the chill begins in the extremities, usually 
in the late afternoon or evening, and returns at the same hour 
the next day. The fever of the paroxysm may be wanting or 
slight and intermingled with the sweat. 

I use Sabadilla in the tincture. 

SABINA. 

The Juniperous Sabina of Southern Europe — The 
True Savin. 

Sabina was first proved by Stapf, Hahnemann contributing to 
the symptoms. 

The tops of the tree or shrub, or the younger branches, con- 
tain the volatile oil or officinal savin, and are used to prepare our 
tincture. 

Sabina was named from the Sabines, one of the ancient people 
of Italy. According to tradition, Romulus induced his men to 
carry off the Sabine virgins, thus robbing the people of future 
wives. As though it might be in revenge, we find the drug 
Sabina ready to rob us of our children, for in toxic doses it will 
originate uterine action and cause abortion. 

Hughes is responsible for this wording: "Sabina causes 
strangury in front, bloody stools behind, and between the two 
metritis with haemorrhage, and (in pregnant women) abortion," 
and "this action of the drug has given it its chief therapeutic 
application." 

In many of the conditions calling for Sabina the symptoms 
cease on going into the open air (9) and return on entering the 
house. This applies, among other things, to the vertigo, head- 
ache (92), facial neuralgia and perhaps the toothache. 

Allen speaks of a "general rush of blood to the head (103), with 
alternating flushes to head and face." 
46 



708 MATERIA MEDICA. 

There may be diarrhoea or constipation, with hard and difficult 
stools; in both conditions with pain extending from the back 
through to the pubes, and in either, with bloody discharge, especi- 
ally when associated with haemorrhoids (85). 

Burning during micturition is spoken of in the pathogenesis 
of the remedy, and Hering gives, " vesical irritability, depending 
on gouty diathesis." 

Menstruation under Sabina is too early, too profuse (135) and 
too long-lasting (135), the discharge bright red and flowing in 
paroxysms (137), attended with colicky pains and pains extend- 
ing from the back, forward. We may also have irregular men- 
struation that becomes almost incessant. 

It is of value in menorrhagia, especially in plethoric women 
and at the climacteric (135); the flow may be dark (136) but is 
usually bright red, and it is paroxysmal, or coming in gushes. 
The flow is increased from any motion (134) and is accompanied 
by pain, drawing, dragging or aching, extending from sacrum 
through to pubis. Sometimes in Sabina, the haemorrhage from 
the uterus ceases on walking about. 

Hughes considers that accompanying " rectal and vesical irrita- 
tion adds weight to the indications for the choice of Sabina" in 
uterine haemorrhages. 

In dysmenorrhoea Sabina is useful, not only when we find the 
characteristic pain from the small of the back extending through 
to the genitals, but also with pains in the back shooting down 
the thighs (139). It is of value for threatening miscarriage 
(13), especially at the third month. 

Hughes speaks of the use of this remedy for " retained pla- 
centa (150) due to atony of the uterus, with tendency to discharge 
of fluids and clots with each pain," also it "promotes the expul- 
sion of moles." 

It is to be thought of for acrid leucorrhoea (126) during preg- 
nancy, with much biting and itching and for offensive leucor- 
rhoea (126) following profuse menstruation. 

Sabina is of value in chronic arthritis (161) and gout, with 
nodosities (161), the pains involving any or all the joints and 
often accompanied by pulsation in different blood vessels. The 



SAMBUCUS NIGRA. 709 

pains are better in the open air and from "cool applications" 
(Hering), and worse from warmth (160). 

Dunham says, the uterine haemorrhages calling for Sabina are 
"always attended by pains in the joints." 

I use Sabina 1st. 

SAMBUCUS NIGRA. 

European Elder. 

(Sambucus, an elder tree. Elder, the common name for species 
of Sambucus. Some consider the name as being derived from 
aafifivKrj, sambuke, an ancient stringed musical instrument, said 
to have been made of the wood of the elder.) 

The ordinary elder of Europe is the Sambucus nigra, and that 
of North America is the Sambucus Canadensis, both shrubs of 
rapid growth and both with black-purple berries, the elder-berries. 
While the difference between the two is slight, it is distinct, and 
for us, here, the word Sambucus will refer to Sambucus nigra, the 
remedy first proved by Hahnemann. 

Suffocation (25) or suffocative feeling is one of the prominent 
symptoms calling for this remedy, with aggravation after mid- 
night, in sudden attacks, arousing one from sleep. 

Sambucus is apt to be one of the first remedies thought of in 
suffocative nasal catarrh of young children and for an ordinary 
case of "snuffles" of infants, with sudden starting up from sleep 
as if they could not breathe. If this "snuffles" in young babies 
is at all persistent, be on your guard in reference to its being due 
to syphilis. 

We have in Sambucus, suffocative respiration as from an accum- 
ulation of mucus, with stitches in the chest, and it is useful in 
asthma (19) and acute laryngitis, with spasmodic cough and 
attacks of suffocation from spasm of the larynx (25) or glottis. 

In laryngismus stridulous, or false croup, it is of value with 
aggravation after midnight or from lying with the head low; the 
child is awakened from sleep in fear of suffocation, it cannot ex- 
hale (25) and the face grows pale. It is to be thought of in 
whooping cough (48), with suffocative spasm, the cough worse 
after midnight and from lying with the head low (42). 



710 MATERIA MEDICA. 

The cough of Sambucus is hard, with hoarseness due to an 
accumulation of tough mucus, with expectoration during the 
day and dry at night (45) and worse after midnight (40). 

A unique and characteristic symptom under Sambucus is, no 
sweat during sleep but sweats on waking (185). Allen says: 
"The suppression of the ordinary perspiration during sleep is 
marked; the skin becomes perfectly dry and burning when the 
patient falls asleep, but he breaks into profuse sweat immediately 
on waking." It has cured intermittent fever having this time 
for sweating, and Hughes says that with this symptom he has 
"found it of great use in checking those debilitating perspirations 
which often retard convalescence after delivery." 

I use Sambucus lx. 

SANGUINARIA CANADENSIS. 

Blood Root — Indian Paint — Tumeric. 

Sanguinaria is so called in allusion to the blood-like juice of the 
root. It is found, as its name denotes, in Canada, as well as in 
many parts of the United States and all parts of the plant, when 
wounded, exude an orange-colored sap, or deep brownish if ob- 
tained from the root. It was used by our Indians as a paint, for 
making tumeric-paper (which has been superseded by litmus- 
paper), and as an aromatic in curry-powder. 

The first real proving of Sanguinaria was made by Dr. G. Bute, 
of this country. 

It is an irritant of the mucous membranes generally and especi- 
ally of the stomach and air-passages. It is an extremely valuable 
remedy for headache, particularly for r.-sided migraine (99) and 
for various troubles due to the climacteric. 

In the head we have frequent use for it in periodical neuralgia 
where the attacks commence over the r. eye (76) or in the 
forehead and vertex of the r. side, or they commence in the 
occiput (100), travel over the head and settle over the r. eye. 
The attacks begin in the morning and increase in severity as the 
sun approaches the zenith; at noon the pain is at its height, at 
3 p. m. it begins to decline and by sunset it is gone (95) ; usually 



SANGUINARIA CANADENSIS. 711 

the patient is enabled to get asleep in the latter part of the after- 
noon and when she wakens the pain is over. The headache is 
better from sleep and usually ends with a profuse flow of urine 
(93). 

This sun-headache, or " American sick-headache" as it has been 
called, is very severe and is accompanied by photophobia, nausea 
and vomiting. It is worse from every motion (96) and the 
patient not only wants to keep quiet but also wants to be left 
alone. 

It is of value in headaches of gastric origin (97) and in those 
at the climacteric (96), with rush of blood to the head (103), 
buzzing in the ears (65), nausea and vomiting, and relief in the 
open air (92) and from sleep. 

In the eye, Sanguinaria is useful for neuralgia in and over the 
r. eye (76) and for inflammations of the eye and lid, and San- 
guinaria is in particular a r.-sided remedy (163). 

In the ear it is to be thought of for women at the climacteric, 
with humming and roaring in the ears (65) and with painful sen- 
sitiveness to sudden sounds. 

It is a remedy to be thought of for polypi and has cured them 
whether the polypus was located in the ear (65), nose (145) or 
uterus (202). 

We have in Sanguinaria a facial neuralgia, beginning perhaps 
in the cheek-bones, and extending all over the head (80), in 
which the patients hold the head tightly (92) and bend over 
with the head towards the floor, as the only means of getting 
relief (79). 

There is soreness of the roof of the mouth, extending back and 
throughout the pharynx, but worse on the r. side of the throat, 
as if the roof of the mouth and pharynx had been burnt or 
scalded by hot drinks (140). 

Sanguinaria is one of the remedies to be thought of for rheu- 
matic soreness of the muscles of the palate, especially when fol- 
lowing the grip. Rheumatic sore throat (162) is best diagnosed 
by exclusion; it is not one of several other things that the patient 
thinks he has, because there is no evidence on inspection of any- 
thing to cause the pain experienced; never tell him, however, 



712 MATERIA MEDICA. 

that you can see nothing to cause the trouble, or he will quit you 
and make uncomplimentary remarks concerning your ability. 
Tell him that he has rheumatism of the throat and he will men- 
tion your name and sound your praises amongst all his friends, 
for you have let him have a disease that he has probably never 
heard of before. 

In gastric derangements calling for Sanguinaria we find nausea 
and salivation (163), with vomiting of bitter, sour fluid; usually 
the nausea is not relieved by vomiting but is relieved by eating 
(174). It is of value in ulcer of the stomach (181), with burning 
pain (178), vomiting, etc.; in one case cured by the remedy the 
characteristics were the relief experienced after vomiting and the 
flushes of heat rising into the head and face. It is of value in 
the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (153), especially when 
associated with salivation and constant spitting (155). 

We have in Sanguinaria flushes of heat at the climacteric (32) 
and Hering says, leucorrhcea at the menopause which continues 
after the menses have entirely ceased. 

Cough enters into many of the conditions calling for San- 
guinaria; we have diarrhoea associated with cough (61), or with 
whooping cough (61); also delayed menstruation or amenor- 
rhcea (134) and metrorrhagia during the climacteric (32), in 
both conditions with cough and flushing of the face (32). 

It is useful in oedema of the glottis (191), with dyspnoea, sawing 
respiration, hoarse and dry cough, the whole condition worse 
when lying down. We also have a dry cough at night, which 
wakens the patient, with relief from sitting up (41) and especial 
relief from eructations (50) and the discharge of flatus. 

Sanguinaria is to be thought of in r.-sided pneumonia (151) 
as well as in a subacute condition, with relief from lying on the 
back (151). It is of especial value in hypostatic pneumonia 
(152) and in pneumonia when the patient is in a low typhoid 
state, the face being livid and dark red. 

It may prove useful in ulceration of the lung and in phthisis, 
with hectic flush, burning in chest (28) and perhaps haemoptysis 
(27). 

As Sanguinaria is a r.-sided remedy (163), we can think of it 



SANGUINARIA NITRATE. 713 

in rheumatic pains of the extremities of the r. side and especially 
of the r. shoulder and deltoid (161). Farrington speaks of having 
used it for rheumatism of the r. deltoid without effect; he finally 
told his class that he did not believe in it. Within a week after 
saying this, he cured two cases of rheumatism of the r. deltoid 
with the remedy. 

It has always been a help to me to learn that those whose 
ability is unquestioned meet with difficulties similar to those 
which I experience and when a man like Farrington informs us 
that he could not always effect a cure, the rest of us can take 
renewed courage, remembering at the same time that the fault is 
not always with our Materia Medica. 

I use Sanguinaria 3rd. 

SANGUINARIA NITRATE. 

Just a word in reference to this, one of our newer remedies, 
which has rawness of the mucous membranes of the respiratory 
tract as the prominent symptom. 

Besides being useful for nasal polypus (145) it is of especial 
value in acute rhinitis and hay-fever (88), where, in addition to 
the sneezing and irritation usually found, we have a tingling and 
smarting in the nose, as if he had inhaled horse-radish, causing 
a gush of tears from the eyes, with fulness in the forehead, ex- 
tending to the root of the nose (39). 

We have rawness of the posterior nares, burning and rawness 
in the larynx, with hoarseness, and rawness (173) and soreness 
behind the sternum at the bifurcation of the bronchi, with violent 
convulsive cough, which causes additional rawness, and expec- 
toration of thick yellow, or bloody mucus (69). 

I use Sanguinaria nitrate 3x. 

SECALE CORNUTUM. 

Ergot of Rye — Spurred Rye — Cockspur. 

(Secale, rye; cornu, a horn or spur. Fr., ergot, a spur, cock's 
spur.) 



714 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Secale cor., the common rye affected with ergot, or "a morbid 
growth arising from a diseased condition of the ovary of various 
grasses, caused by a fungus" (Century) and occurring principally 
in fertile years when hot weather frequently alternates with 
warm rains. 

Part of our symptoms are the poisonous effects from eating 
bread made from the diseased grain or from the use of the tinc- 
ture, fluid extract, etc. ; the rest from provings or clinical reports. 

In 1885 (therefore not in Allen's Encyclop.), Dr. H. C. Allen, 
then of the University of Michigan, made for the Am. Inst. 
Transactions what he speaks of as a fragmentary proving, in which 
seventy-two persons, male and female, took part. 

An interesting statement is the one made in reference to one of 
the pro vers with the 200 potency. Dr. Allen says : " This prover," 
Mrs. H., "knew the potency but not the drug. She was perfectly 
convinced that in the 200 potency no drug was capable of pro- 
ducing medicinal symptoms on the healthy, and persisted in re- 
peating her experiments to verify or disprove former results." 
Among the numerous symptoms contributed by this prover are 
the following: "Menses a week too soon (always regular before to 
a day); many clots; offensive in odor; a cold cadaverous smell." 

The chief interest in the action of ergot centers about its power 
to produce tonic contractions of involuntary muscle fibre; the 
arterioles are violently and persistently contracted, causing dry 
coldness of the surface and even gangrene of the lower extremi- 
ties, and we have records of terrible epidemics of what are now 
believed to have been due to Ergotism, that have devastated sec- 
tions of Europe from the ninth to the last century (1089-1816). 

Dunham speaks of two forms of ergotism, the spasmodic and 
the gangrenous, and in reference to the latter, says: "The gan- 
grenous form commences with dull pain and weariness of the 
limbs, with heaviness and stupidity of the face. The skin acquires 
an earthy or jaundiced hue. The extremity about to be affected 
(sometimes it is the nose) becomes cold, and the skin over it gets 
dusky red. Then gangrene begins in the inside of the end of the 
extremity (or of the nose) and extends outward to the skin. It 
also extends upward to the trunk. The parts affected shrivel, 



SECALE CORNUTUM. 715 

dry up, become black and harden until they look like those of a 
mummy. They separate from the living flesh without haemor- 
rhage and by a clean line of division. " Death is sometimes pre- 
ceded by diarrhoea. " 

Ergot affects the peristaltic muscles of the intestines, causing 
cramp and vomiting, and the gravid uterus contracts violently 
and continuously, that is, without intermissions, as found during 
normal labor. 

Convulsions are liable to occur in ergotism and paralysis and 
anaesthesia, with paraesthetic sensations of formication and in- 
tolerance of heat result; and especially tremblings and para- 
plegia. 

Ergotism causes cold skin and great internal heat, but the latter 
being the unconscious sensation, we have as one of the character- 
istic indications for the renledy an aversion to being covered. 
The skin is cold to the touch but the patient has a sensation of 
burning up internally and is aggravated by heat and will resist 
any attempt that may be made to cover him up warmly. A 
pathogenetic symptom reads: "Pain worse from heat applied to 
any part, and if on a cold day any additional covering was laid 
upon him while asleep, he woke almost instantly and threw it off" 
(33). 

There is in Secale cor. great restlessness (160), associated with 
great debility and prostration. 

Ergot produces convulsions and in Secale cor. there is a general 
tendency to hysterical spasm of the extensor muscles, or a par- 
alysis of the flexor muscles (the appearance being the same in 
both), or we have contraction of the hands, feet, fingers and toes. 

It is useful in paraplegia, with cramps in the feet and calves, 
numbness (146), a "fuzzy feeling' ' and formication (82). Cramps 
in the calves (71) are common in Secale cor., associated with cold- 
ness of the extremities and cold sweat and we have numbness 
and tingling in the fingers and feet as if they were asleep (71). 

Secale cor. is of especial value in diseases of putrescence, with 
haemorrhage or oozing of dark blood and threatening collapse 
(34), but with rapid and flighty pulse (110), often with hiccough 
(116), sometimes with unnatural hunger (119) and thirst, or as a 



716 MATERIA MEDICA. 

pathogenetic symptom reads, " appetite unnatural even when 
dying from exhausting stools," but always with coldness of the 
surface to touch, a sense of burning up internally and an aversion 
to being covered. 

Frequently in these conditions there is vomiting, sudden and 
violent, with cold sweat (185), similar to what is found under 
Tabacum, where we have the " deathly nausea," only in Secale 
cor. there is burning in the stomach, while in Tabacum there is 
coldness. There may be in Secale cor. retraction of the walls 
of the stomach preceding the vomiting. 

The stools are watery, sudden, gushing (59) and involuntary, 
with unquenchable thirst and vomiting. The stools are usually 
painless, but very offensive, even putrid (59) and exhausting 
(58), a collapsed state, icy-coldness externally, and, very char- 
acteristic of the remedy here as well as in many other conditions, 
the intolerance of being covered. There is often found suppres- 
sion of urine (200). With these symptoms Secale cor. is of value 
in diarrhoea, especially in puerperal and typhoid conditions, in 
dysentery and in true cholera (31). 

11 Ergot seems to lessen the coagulating function of the blood," 
says Farrington, "and will cause haemorrhages, the flow being 
dark, fluid and persistent," and Secale cor. is to be thought of in 
a hemorrhagic diathesis, with haemorrhage from the uterus or 
any of the cavities of the body. 

You all know of the powerful effect of ergot on the gravid uterus 
and how it causes powerful and persistent contraction. You 
also know of the great danger in using it when there is not full 
dilation of the os; but I would like to quote from the Handbook 
in this connection, where Allen says: "During labor or uterine 
haemorrhages ergot should be used with great discretion; it is 
extremely dangerous when there is albuminuria, for it is liable to 
bring on convulsions; if used too freely during labor it is extremely 
apt to cause puerperal metritis." 

If your experience is at all similar to mine, you will have reason 
to regret the use of ergot every time that it is not absolutely 
necessary. If it is used, even in small amounts (10 drops in half 
a glass of water and taken in teaspoonful doses), as a time-saving 



SELENIUM. 717 

scheme, you will find that what you gain in one stage you will 
lose in the other and during the period of convalescence. In 
post-partum haemorrhage I would not hesitate to employ it if 
necessary, and in fact always have it ready, but when I can 
avoid its use, I also avoid trouble for the patient as well as for 
myself. 

The lochia in Secale cor. is offensive (153), greenish and puru- 
lent, and it has made some brilliant cures in puerperal fever 
(155) when there was danger of putrefaction, with putrid dis- 
charges, coldness, intolerance of covering, suppressed urine and 
tendency to collapse. 

The menses may be irregular as to time, and are usually pro- 
fuse and associated with severe pressing-down pains, and it is 
to be thought of in menstrual colic (138), with coldness and in- 
tolerance of heat, " better when the flow appears" (Hering). 

Secale cor. has cured various tumors of the uterus and append- 
ages, either with profuse menstruation, or with haemorrhage of 
thin, black, often fetid blood, with expulsive pains. Dunham 
says: "In cancer uteri (202) it arrests haemorrhage and relieves 
the terrible burning pains at night which torment the patient. 
This it does in small doses, even the 200th. ' ' 

It is to be thought of in haemorrhage from the lungs (27) 
when the blood is dark (28) and venous, and in gangrene of the 
lungs (29). 

It has a cough, apparently due to spinal anaemia, and pressure 
on the spine causes pain all through the chest (171). 

In carbuncles with gangrenous degeneration (82), in senile 
gangrene (82) and in leprosy, Secale cor. is to be thought of with 
the dry, cool and shrunken skin and aggravation from heat or 
warm applications. 

I use Secale cor. 30th. 

SELENIUM. 

This rare metal was first proved by Hering. 

It is a remedy particularly adapted to old age, to conditions 
of general neurasthenia (156) and to mental and physical ex- 
haustion (155), and it is useful for debility following exhausting 



718 MATERIA MEDIGA. 

diseases (156). with easy fatigue and slow recuperative powers. 
There is general aggravation of the weakness and debility "in 
hot weather" and ''very great aversion to a draft of air (5) 
either warm, cold (5) or damp" (Hering). 

Selenium is of value for neuralgic and nervous headaches, usu- 
ally over the 1. eye (76). worse from or caused by exposure 
to the sun (98). strong odors., tea drinking (7). lemonade or 
other acids (176) and alcoholic liquors (5). The headaches. 
as well as the gastric symptoms, the result of liquor drinking 
(176), may be relieved by additional alcohol, for which there is 
a craving for its tonic effects. 

It is a remedy to be thought of for easy falling out of the 
hair on combing, especially when associated with oily skin (169) 
and scalp, "in persons subject to headache, in the neurasthenic" 
(Dearborn) and. while I find no mention of it, we can include. 
after fevers and exhausting diseases (156). 

Selenium has too easy seminal emissions (167) from dreams or 
when walking, followed by exhaustion (167) and weakness in the 
small of the back: the discharge thin and without odor. 

Paralysis of the vocal cords (207) is prominent under this 
remedy, also hoarseness on beginning to sing (117). the result 
of previous overuse of the voice, with frequent necessity to clear 
the throat of starchy mucus (70). 

It has proved of value in laryngeal phthisis (125). with hoarse- 
ness and bloody expectoration (69). 

I use Selenium 3rd. 

SENEGA. 

Seneca Snake-boot. 

A short history of this plant would begin about 1735, when 
John Tennent. a Scotch physician, while in the Western part of 
New York State, noticed that the Seneca Indians obtained ex- 
cellent results from a certain plant as a remedy for the bite of 
the rattlesnake. After a good deal of effort and much bribing. 
he was shown the roots and given to understand that what is 
now known as Seneca snake-root was the agent used. 



SENEGA. 719 

Dr. Tennent noticed that the symptoms of the bite were simi- 
lar, in some respects, to those of pleurisy and the latter stages of 
pneumonia and conceived the idea of using the root in those dis- 
eases. His success was so great that he published an account 
of the remedy in Edinburgh and soon it was being used through- 
out Europe. 

While still an officinal remedy in the old school, it is seldom 
used by them. They consider it as a stimulating expectorant, 
as it " promotes the secretion of the bronchial mucous membrane, 
and probably that of other membranes. It is used in chronic 
bronchitis, especially in the case of aged people, in whom this 
disease is usually complicated with emphysema" (Ringer). 

We as homoeopaths should use Seneca much oftener than we do 
for there are special indications for it in laryngo-bronchial 
catarrh and in paralytic symptoms of the eyes and larynx. 

It has been used for ptosis (78), or partial paralysis of the 
upper lid, especially when associated with paralysis of the mus- 
cles of the eye. 

It has proved useful for paralysis of the 1. oculo-motor nerve 
and of the superior rectus muscle, with double vision (77), better 
only by bending the head backward. Dr. G. W. McDowell in- 
forms me of several cases of hyperphoria of 1° or 2° (difference of 
level between the two eyes) that have disappeared in a week or 
two under the use of this remedy. 

It has proved useful in muscular asthenopia (72), with flicker- 
ing before the eyes and lachrymation, and of great value in pro- 
moting the absorption of fragments of lens after cataract opera- 
tions, or injuries to the lens. 

It is to be thought of in cystitis, with irritability of the bladder, 
frequent desire with scalding (194) before and after micturition. 
The urine is diminished in amount and loaded with shreds of 
mucus (199). 

In the larynx, Senega has hoarseness (117) and aphonia after 
use of the voice, as in singers (118), with severe burning and 
hawking of much mucus. In catarrh of the larynx, calling for 
the remedy, the voice is very unsteady, due to the accumulation 
of mucus, or there may be sudden hoarseness when reading aloud, 
with partial paralysis of the vocal cords (207). 



720 MATERIA MEDICA. 

In bronchial catarrh there would be an accumulation of mucus 
that is expectorated with difficulty, oppression of breathing and 
soreness of the walls of the chest, with a sensation of pressure or 
weight on the chest (29). 

In both laryngeal and bronchial catarrh we have cough and 
expectoration of mucus, worse in the morning before breakfast, 
and evening at night, worse lying on the r. side (42) and from 
being in a warm room (41). 

In chronic bronchitis of old people (47) it is of benefit with 
aggravation on the return of cold weather and with great diffi- 
culty in raising the large amount of tough mucus (69). 

Soreness of the walls of the chest is prominent under this rem- 
edy (30), soreness from coughing or sneezing, and aggravation 
from pressure or moving the arms. 

There is a burning sensation under the sternum, worse from 
motion and deep inspiration, and Dr. H. N. Guernsey says it is 
indicated "when there is great burning in the chest, either before 
or after coughing." 

It is to be thought of for congestion and oedema of the lungs 
(29), with great dyspnoea, and in r.-sided pneumonia (151), with 
rattling of mucus (45) and violent stitches in the chest (30) on 
coughing and deep breathing. 

It is of value for exudations in the pleura (150) after Bryonia 
has ceased to act. 

Lippe says that Senega is a remedy "especially suitable for 
plethoric, phlegmatic persons." 

I use Senega 3rd. 

SEPIA. 

Sepia Succus — The Secretion of the Cuttle-fish. 

Hahnemann, who with five others, all men, first proved Sepia, 
says: "This brownish-black juice (before me used only for 
drawing)," when prepared with caustic lye it forms a beautiful 
brown color, "is found in a sac in the abdomen of the large sea 
animal, called cuttle-fish. This the animal occasionally squirts 
out to darken the water around it, probably in order to secure 
its prey, or to conceal itself from its enemies." 



SEPIA. 721 

Teste says, "It would seem that Hippocrates believed the flesh 
of Sepia possessed the same properties which are ascribed to the 
liquid in the pouch. What is still more remarkable is, that several 
physicians among the ancients, such as Dioscorides, Soranus, 
Plinius and Marcellus, used either the flesh, the eggs, or even the 
only bone which constitutes the skeleton of this animal, for 
leucorrhcea, gonorrhoea, catarrh of the bladder, gravel, spasms of 
the bladder, freckles and certain kinds of tetters, in other words, 
for the very diseases for which we employ the juice of sepia in 
our own practice. I need scarcely say that this drug has been 
out of use for centuries" (Mat. Med. Trans, by Hempel, 1854). 

Sepia was reproved by the American Institute of Homoeopathy 
for the Transactions of 1875, Dr. Carroll Dunham having charge 
of it. While thirty persons agreed to take part, only twenty-six 
reports were handed in, nine of which were from women. Dr. 
T. F. Allen supervised six of the provings. 

Sepia should be obtained from our pharmacies not lower than 
the 3rd trituration, and higher potencies can be made from that 
trituration. The crude drug while diffusible, is not soluble in 
water, nor, as Hahnemann says, is it soluble in alcohol. While 
the American Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia gives a method of 
preparing it by using the crude drug and dilute alcohol, it says: 
" Triturations of this remedy are preferable." 

Sepia produces general relaxation, and weakness, goneness or 
prolapsus are words that are constantly used in the pathogenesis 
or given us by patients who are suffering from conditions calling 
for the remedy. 

Weakness of the female sexual organs is its most prominent 
feature; next, perhaps, in importance is its action on the liver 
and then its action on the skin. 

It is a remedy that seems to be especially suitable for persons 
with dark hair (88). Allen, Lippe, Hering, Boenninghausen, 
Farrington and Dearborn are some who speak of Sepia being 
especially suited to dark-haired people. Teste, on the other hand, 
says it is "principally suitable to people with blond or red hair." 
I cite this simply that we may not err by giving too much cre- 
dence to the type of patient that a remedy is said to be adapted 



722 MATERIA MEDICA. 

to. Let it be the last of the totality, rather than the first symp- 
tom around which we build the others. 

There is a general aggravation twice a day in Sepia, about 
11 a. m. and 4 p. m. and aggravation from having the hands in 
water, as after laundry work (8). There is an aggravation of 
the conditions before the menses and during the climacteric. 
The pains are frequently worse after eating, are worse during 
rest, with " relief from exercise in the open air" (Dunham) (10). 
There is general tendency to emaciation and faintness. 

Mentally the Sepia patient is anxious and full of forebodings 
about real or imaginary diseases (132), with inclination to weep; 
or she is apathetic, with complete indifference, not only in her 
own affairs but in those of her family (131), and with desire to 
be alone (9). 

Sepia is of value for hypochondriasis, especially when asso- 
ciated with gastric or uterine conditions, "for mental depression 
following subinvolution of the uterus (204) and for mild cases 
of melancholia in chlorotic (17), puffy, and pot-bellied women 
and for those who have suffered from miscarriages" (Talcott). 

While Sepia has such a marked effect on the female sexual 
organs that it is well named a uterine tonic, being so often indi- 
cated in atonic conditions of that organ, we must also remember 
that it is frequently called for in remote affections that have 
their origin in some abnormal uterine condition, and as Dunham 
says, "it is peculiar to Sepia that, along with its symptoms of 
disease in the sexual organs" of women "there occurs a consid- 
erable number of sympathetic symptoms in different organs, 
e. g., the toothache, headache, salivation, neuralgia." 

The headache of Sepia may be neuralgic, extending from the 
occiput (100) to the eye, or it may be located over one eye. While 
either side may be affected (76), Lippe gives the preference to 
the 1. side. 

The headaches are frequently due to some abnormal uterine 
position (103) or to menstrual disorder and are aggravated by 
"light (95), noise (96) or motion" (Farrington) (96) and re- 
lieved in the open air (92). The headaches may be congestive, 
on the vertex, a venous congestion, with aggravation from any 






SEPIA. 723 

mental effort, and due to disordered liver (95), and associated 
with great despondency, a desire to be alone, and yellow appear- 
ance around the mouth and across the nose. 

The supraorbital neuralgia calling for Sepia is usually r. -sided, 
says Allen (76), is associated with heaviness or ptosis of the 
upper lid, and brought on by anxiety or fatigue (95). 

It is to be thought of in ptosis of the upper lids (78) and for 
asthenopia (72) when associated with uterine disease or irregular 
menstruation. It has been found of value in arresting the pro- 
gress of cataract (73) but its field of usefulness seems to be con- 
fined to women. 

The neuralgias and toothaches of Sepia are usually associated 
with some menstrual or uterine disorder or with pregnancy (188). 
We find facial neuralgia during menstruation, the pain coming 
in paroxysms, or intermittent facial neuralgia during pregnancy, 
some pain in the morning on waking, none at noon, but severe 
at night. (For neuralgic toothache during pregnancy, Sepia and 
Pulsatilla are two remedies that are frequently indicated, both 
having toothache that is better from cold or open air (188). 

The leucorrhoea of Sepia is milky (126) and acrid (126) worse 
before menstruation, the flow more profuse in the morning or 
only during the day (126). 

After menstruation the vagina is dry with pain and sensitive- 
ness when walking, and especially on coition (205) 

In the uterus Sepia is of great value for displacements of all 
kinds, and especially for prolapsus (203), with a feeling of heavi- 
ness (202) or of venous congestion and a sensation as if everj^hing 
would protrude from the vagina (203). This sensation is so pro- 
nounced that even when there is no prolapsus of the uterus or 
vagina, the patient is obliged to sit down and cross her thighs to 
prevent, as it seems to her, the protrusion of the abdominal and 
pelvic viscera. Associated with this are periods of prostration 
and weakness, as if she were about to faint, with necessity to sit 
down and cross her limbs. 

There may be amenorrhcea in Sepia (134) and when the menses 
do appear they are apt to be irregular, either too early (135) or 
too late (136), but usually scanty, probably painful and asso- 

47 



724 MATERIA MEDICA. 

ciated with pressure downward as if everything would come out 
through the vagina, sinking at epigastrium and depression of 
spirits. 

In threatened abortion (13) or metrorrhagia "during the 
fifth or seventh months" (Hering) or at the climacteric, the 
extreme downward pressure will be your chief guide in the 
selection of the remedy. 

During the climacteric it is of value for sudden rush of blood 
to the head and face, the "hot flushes' ' (32). 

In gastric conditions the sensation of weakness and relaxation 
is very pronounced and now the feeling of emptiness or goneness 
in the stomach (179) is especially noticeable at 11 a. m. (179), 
with necessity to sit down. Probably the patient, and surely 
her friends, will feel that she should eat something at this time, 
but eating will not relieve this sensation of emptiness. 

We have nausea in Sepia, worse in the morning and after eat- 
ing, with bloated abdomen (13), acid (178), sour or putrid eruc- 
tations and perhaps vomiting. In the morning sickness of preg- 
nancy (153) it is of value when we have, in addition, the sensa- 
tion of emptiness or goneness in the stomach. 

Sepia is of value in atonic dyspepsia (178), with flatulence and 
depression of spirits, especially when associated with amenor- 
rhcea, occurring at the climacteric, or as the result of sexual ex- 
cesses. With the flatulent dyspepsia there is apt to be an aggra- 
vation from milk (6) and a longing for acids (9). 

On the liver Sepia is of great value, particularly in torpid con- 
ditions, with aching, weight and soreness, which may even involve 
the r. shoulder, occipital headache, sallow complexion, yellow- 
ness of the whites of the eyes and especially yellow spots (127) on 
abdomen, chest, face and across the bridge of the nose, the so- 
called "saddle." 

Constipation is the rule in Sepia conditions, with muscular 
weakness and inactivity of the rectum, so that prolapsus (160) is 
common after straining at stool, and even a soft stool is passed 
with difficulty (34). The rectum feels full even after a stool, 
or there is a sensation of a lump which cannot be evacuated (35). 

Haemorrhoids, with bleeding at stool (85), is an accompani- 
ment of the torpid liver. 



SEPIA. 725 

The diarrhoea of Sepia is caused by drinking milk (6) and 
especially boiled milk, and noticed particularly in teething chil- 
dren. The stools are green (59), mucous, sour-smelling (59), 
and are associated with rapid exhaustion (58) and emaciation. 

In cystocele Sepia is of value as a palliative for the feeling of 
heaviness of the bladder or the constant bearing-down sensation 
so characteristic of the remedy. 

In cystitis it is curative with this same bearing-down feeling, a 
constant desire to urinate, but micturition is very slow as the 
bladder muscles are weak and relaxed (21). 

The characteristic urine is offensive and deposits a sediment 
of uric acid, which adheres tightly to the vessel in which it is 
voided (123). 

Sepia is of value in nocturnal enuresis (198), the guiding symp- 
tom being that the child wets the bed almost as soon as it gets 
to sleep or at any rate during the first sleep (199). 

The cough of Sepia is worse in the morning on waking (40) 
and at night from bed-time to midnight, with expectoration of 
thick mucus, and often retching and vomiting; with the cough 
there is frequent desire to eat (40). 

It is of value for whooping cough, with nightly paroxysms and 
for chronic bronchitis, with hepatic symptoms; the cough seems 
to come from the abdomen (44). It is also of value, as an inter- 
current, in phthisis, with faintness, relaxation and goneness in 
the stomach, and soreness in the chest; more frequently called 
for in women. 

The skin symptoms calling for Sepia are found especially in 
brunettes suffering from abdominal or pelvic affections, and they 
are worse morning and evening, after eating and at the men- 
strual period (138) and better from cold bathing. Besides the 
brown discoloration or " liver spots " there are various vesicular 
eruptions, with itching, burning and stinging, and especially a 
vesiculo-pustular eruption in the folds of the skin or hollow of 
the joints, as in the bend of the elbow and the popliteal space 
(66). 

Dunham speaks particularly of Sepia in the treatment of ring- 
worm, he giving as a characteristic indication when the lesion 



726 MATERIA MEDICA. 

occurs in isolated spots. He also cites the cure of two cases of 
epithelial cancer of the lower lip when, besides the constitutional 
symptoms calling for the remedy, there was soreness, burning 
and pricking in the lower lip as from a splinter of wood. 

The feet are cold in Sepia (71) and damp from an offensive 
foot-sweat (185), with soreness between the toes and relieved 
by cold bathing. 

Sepia has been used for intermittent fever when, in addition 
to the constitutional symptom, there was pronounced chill, fever 
and sweat followed by great exhaustion. 

Lachesis is incompatible with Sepia. 

I use Sepia 6th. 

SILICA. 

Silicon Dioxide, SiC>2. 

This remedy, which was first proved by Hahnemann, is to be 
spelled S-i-l-i-c-a and pronounced Silica, and your pharmacist 
should be warned that the remedy will not be accepted if the 
label on the bottle has any more letters on it. I am well aware 
that many works on Materia Medica call it by another name, but 
that circumstance does not make it right, and I request that you 
call it Silica, and nothing else, unless you give it the full term of 
Hahnemann's, when you can refer to it as Silicea terra. 

Silica is a deep-acting remedy, and is especially adapted to 
scrofulous children, to nervous, irritable people and to suppura- 
tive processes with tendency to fistulous burrowings. There is 
a general aggravation of the symptoms at night and aggravation 
from open air (5), from cold and wet weather (9) and from 
change of weather to damp (9). There is also aggravation 
from pressure, from lying on the painful side, from wine (5), 
and, according to the books, a general aggravation at new or full 
moon (141). 

An important thing to keep in mind in reference to Silica is 
the decided aggravation from cold air in any form (5) and the 
relief from warm wraps or applications (10); also remember it 
where one takes cold easily (5), especially, perhaps, from un- 
covering the head or feet. 



SILICA. 727 

It is of value for nervous exhaustion (156), with numbness 
(146) and pricking in limbs which go to sleep easily (71), especi- 
ally the side on which one lies, restlessness (160), sensitiveness to 
noise and extreme sensitiveness to touch (166). 

Silica is to be thought of in epilepsy (66), the aura beginning 
in the solar plexus, and for epilepsy following injuries to the spine, 
especially when pressure on the spine causes pain in the head 
(171). 

The Silica patient is nervous and starts at every sound, and 
it is useful for the chronic effects of fright (80) and nervous 
shock. 

The headaches of the remedy are severe, often due to nervous 
exhaustion "(96), accompanied by soreness and flickering before 
the eyes and followed by dimness of vision (104). The headaches 
are occipital (100) or begin in the occiput, pass over the vertex 
and settle over one eye (Dunham says r.), and are often accom- 
panied by a cold feeling (90) rising from the back or nape of 
the neck to the vertex. At times there is a tearing or throb- 
bing as if the head would burst (104). 

The headaches are aggravated by mental exertion (93), from 
motion (96), light (95) or noise (96); they are worse from cold 
(93) or uncovering the head and better from heat (92) or hot 
applications. Many books state that the headaches are better 
from binding the head up tightly (93) in warm wraps, but you 
can remember that in this remedy it is the heat rather than the 
tight bandage that affords relief. 

In infants the fontanelles remain open too long (91), the head 
is large and the rest of the body emaciated, the scalp is sensitive 
to touch (91) or to pressure and we are apt to find offensive 
eruptions on the occiput, especially in scrofulous or other condi- 
tions of malnutrition. A condition calling for this remedy, 
especially in scrofulous and rachitic states, is perspiration about 
the head. 

(A differentiation that may be made in reference to sweat 
about the head in infants, while not always very close practic- 
ally, may be of help in the selection of one of two remedies. 

In Silica this sweat is profuse, offensive and sour-smelling, 



728 MATERIA MEDICA. 

especially noticeable when sleeping and is general on the fore- 
head and whole head and down the neck. 

Calcarea carb. has profuse sweat of the head when sleeping, it 
is especially on the back of the head, it may be sour but it is not 
offensive. The build of the child will also be an aid in the differ- 
entiation. One other thought and that is, under Silica the fore- 
head and head are often cold but become warm when lightly 
covered.) 

Silica has an offensive foot-sweat (185) that causes soreness 
of the feet and between the toes. It is also of value for troubles 
resulting from the sudden suppression of habitual sweating of 
the feet. 

The eyes of Silica are dry with a feeling of a splinter or of sand 
in them (77), with " lachrymation in the open air" (Lippe). 
There are fiery sparks (78) or black specks before the eyes (77), 
or blackness before the eyes especially after headache. It is 
of value for ulceration of the cornea (77), senile cataract (73) 
with ciliary neuralgia (75), aggravation from "any draught of 
air or just before a storm" (Hering), for lachrymal fistula and 
caries of the orbit. 

Silica is of value for caries of the mastoid (64) and for acute 
and chronic inflammation of the middle ear, especially with 
suppuration and offensive discharge (63). 

There is deafness (63) and roaring in the ears (65) with 
involvement of the Eustachian tube and usually associated with 
naso-pharyngeal catarrh. 

It is of great value for necrosis of the lower jaw (123) and for 
abscesses at the roots of teeth with aggravation from cold air 
(187) and relief from holding warm water in the mouth. 

The diarrhoea calling for Silica is found especially in scrofulous 
children with offensive perspiration, and it frequently occurs 
during teething or from exposure to cold air. The movements 
are frequent and putrid or cadaverous-smelling (59). 

In constipation calling for the remedy, there is lack of expul- 
sive power so that even a soft stool is passed with difficulty (34), 
or the stools are hard and large (35) with frequent urging and 
only partly satisfactory results in spite of great effort, followed 
by burning in anus. 



SILICA. 729 

There are two principal reasons for the constipation of Silica: 
one, the lack of expulsive power, the other, the irritability or 
spasm of the sphincter (34) whereby the partly-protruded stool 
is forced back again. They strain so hard that the abdominal 
muscles become sore and lame, until finally, when success seems 
assured, the constriction of the anus nullifies all their efforts. 

It is a frequently indicated remedy in fissures of the anus (159), 
with irritability, and for haemorrhoids (86) that are very painful, 
better from warm applications, and associated with constipation 
and spasm of the sphincter ani (158). 

Copious urine seems to be the rule in Silica and it has been 
used for nocturnal enuresis (198), especially in children suffering 
from worms (208). 

It is a remedy to be thought of for elephantiasis of the scrotum, 
with burning and stinging pains relieved by warmth, and for 
chronic gonorrhoea (83), with thick, fetid, purulent discharge. 

The menses may be scanty or profuse and are often preceded 
by icy-coldness of the whole body. 

The leucorrhcea is usually chronic, purulent or milky (126) 
acrid and excoriating (126), "with smarting on urinating" 
(Minton) (126) and paroxysmal discharge (126). 

Expectoration under Silica is thick, yellow, purulent and 
usually offensive (69). It is of value in bronchorrhoea (26), 
for "pulmonary affections of stone-cutters" (Hering) and in the 
suppurative stage of phthisis (149) with night-sweats (185). 

In the breast Silica is of value in the beginning of mastitis 
(22), with relief from hot applications, and for hard, indurated 
tumors (23), with sharp, stinging pains. It follows well after 
Conium. 

It is of great value in diseased conditions of the bones; caries, 
especially of long bones, diseases of the bones of the spine, Pott's 
disease (152) and rachitis, with the offensive sweat about the 
head at night, the body being dry. 

It is of value in suppurative processes generally, "whether 
in the soft tissues, periosteum or the bone itself" (Dunham), 
especially with fistulous openings that refuse to heal, hectic 
fever, sweat, offensive and ichorous discharge and the general 
aggravation from cold. 



730 



MATERIA MEDICA. 



(Both Silica and Hepar sulph. are useful in suppurative pro- 
cesses and both have aggravation from cold and relief from 
warmth and hot applications, but Hepar sulph. has rich, thick, 
creamy pus, while in Silica it is thin, bloody or like bloody water). 

Silica is indicated in all forms of abscesses, including those of 
the knee and hip-joint, carbuncles, especially after the removal 
of the core, felons (81), lgandular swellings that threaten to sup- 
purate and fistulous openings wherever found, the especial indi- 
cations in this latter condition, besides the relief from heat, being 
the character of the discharge and that the opening seemingly 
refuses to heal and the fissure grows larger and larger. Small 
wounds heal with difficulty and threaten to suppurate (183) and 
Silica is a remedy to be thought of for the results of impure vacci- 
nation (205). It is also to be thought of for the bad effects of 
foreign bodies in the eye (74), or penetrating the flesh, as needles, 
splinters or in-growing toe-nails (141). 

The finger nails grow yellow, become brittle and corrugated 
(141). 

Silica is antidotal to Hepar. sulph. to a degree. 

"It is" also "an antidote to Mercury when it has produced 
bad effects in large doses, but it does not follow well after Mer- 
cury, nor does Mercury follow well after Silica. Fluoric acid 
follows well after Silica and antidotes the bad effects from too 
frequent repetition of Silica" (Lippe). 

I use Silica 30th. 

SINAPIS NIGRA. 

Black Mustard. 

(Sinapis — sinapi, mustard.) 

The seeds of both the black and white mustards are mixed to 
form our condiment, the former being dark brown and pungent, 
the latter yellow and less pungent. 

Sinapis nig. was first proved by Dr. Clarence W. Butler, of 
Montclair, N. J., in 1872. 

Our principal use for the remedy is in acute coryzas and hay- 
fever (88), with sneezing and lachrymation, itching and burning 
in nose and eyes, dryness of nose (39) or acrid discharge (37). 



SPIGELIA. 731 

SPIGELIA. 

SPIGELIA ANTHELMIA — PlNKROOT. 

Spigelia was named by Linnaeus in 1737 after Adrian van der 
Spigel, a Belgian professor of anatomy. He should have been 
satisfied without this additional honor, as one of the lobes of the 
liver had already been named for him; but as he had been dead 
for a hundred years (d. 1625) when this plant was christened, 
he was not wholly to blame. 

Anthelmia, from anthelmintic, a worm destroyer. 

We use the Spigelia anthelmia, the Demerara pinkroot. The 
old school use the Maryland Spigelia; both are used as vermi- 
fuges, but with us the position of Spigelia as a worm remedy is 
one of very minor importance. 

Spigelia was first proved by Hahnemann. 

"The sphere of action of Spigelia is not extensive" (Dunham) 
and we usually connect it with neuralgia and especially with neu- 
ralgic pains in the head, chest and heart, and although its range 
of action is limited, it is apt to startle our patients with the 
speedy cures that it makes. 

It is a remedy that has a decided preference for the 1. side of 
the head and body (125). 

There is an aggravation from motion in Spigelia, especially 
from any motion of the arms, and aggravation from lying on the 
back. There is an intolerance of pain (148) and " great sensi- 
tiveness to touch (166) and the least touch on the body sends 
a shudder through the whole frame. There is no marked period- 
icity" (Dunham) in Spigelia. 

There is one symptom that is quite characteristic of the remedy, 
and that is, that the pains often start from a point and spread 
out, or radiate from that spot, like the ribs of an open fan. 

Spigelia is very valuable in neuralgic or nervous headaches, 
generally beginning at one point, on the 1. side of the head, and 
radiating in different directions. The pains are burning, jerking 
and tearing, and are worse during stormy weather (98). These 
neuralgic headaches are also worse from shaking or jarring the 
head, as in walking (96) and especially by a false step; by noise 
(96), speaking aloud, or movement of the facial muscles. 



732 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Sometimes the headaches end with vomiting; sometimes they 
begin in the morning and last until evening (95); at times with 
the headache there is a sensation as if the head were opening 
(106). 

Spigelia is of great value in supraorbital neuralgia of the 1. 
side (76), with radiating pain, or jerkings or streaks of pain like 
electric flashes, the pains worse from any motion and especially 
worse from stooping. It is of frequent use in ciliary neuralgia 
(75), with very severe radiating pains, and in rheumatic iritis 
(74), with the ciliary pains. 

It can be thought of in ptosis (78), with sharp, stabbing pains 
and hot lachrymation. 

I will not ask you to make any note of its supposed use in post- 
nasal catarrh, with dropping of mucus into the throat, as I do 
not know that the reports that have been sent out concerning its 
value in this condition have been verified clinically. It is of 
value, however, in facial neuralgia, with shooting, burning pains, 
radiating in every direction. 

In the jaw we have tearing in the lower jaw extending to the 
ear, worse moving the head, and an intermittent jerking in the 
teeth, worse from smoking (188). It is useful in severe neuralgic 
toothache, with shooting pains, and worse from cold water (187) 
and cold air (187). 

Spigelia is to be thought of in neuralgia of the bowels and for 
colicky pains in children when associated with worms (208). It 
is useful in intercostal neuralgia (120) of the 1. side, with aggra- 
vation from deep breathing. 

In the heart and cardiac region, Spigelia is of great value and 
is frequently called for, not only for neuralgia and nervous condi- 
tions, but for true inflammation as well. 

It is of value for pericarditis and endocarditis, with severe stick- 
ing pains, and in aurotitis, with pain under the sternum; in all 
these conditions, with numbness of the 1. arm, dyspnoea from 
lying on the back, profuse cold sweat (185) and violent (112), 
irregular beating of the heart. 

We have palpitation worse sitting down (111) and bending 
forward, and palpitation and trembling (109) of the heart due 



SPONGIA TOSTA. 733 

to nervousness (111). The palpitation at times may be felt by 
the hand at the pit of the stomach (181), or the palpitation is 
so violent that the beats of the heart are audible and visible 
through the clothes. It is also of value for irregular and tumultu- 
ous action (112) of the heart, a condition found in tea and coffee 
drinkers and in tobacco smokers (111). 

We find frequent use for the remedy in neuralgic pains about 
the heart, with pains running from the heart down the 1. arm 
(110) and in many cases of pseudo or true angina pectoris (107), 
with pain and numbness of 1. arm, the pain worse from motion, 
from using the arms or raising them above the head. 

I use Spigelia 3rd. 

SPONGIA TOSTA. 

The toasted or roasted Turkey sponge of commerce, the " bath- 
sponge" as Hahnemann calls it, is used for the preparation of 
our remedy and the tincture, which corresponds in drug power 
to the lx, is officinal whether in the form of liquid or trituration. 

Hahnemann, who first proved the remedy, tells us that " sponge 
burnt to a black coal seems to be less powerful" than when it is 
toasted brown. 

Spongia is said to be most often indicated in light-haired, fair- 
complexioned people (88). 

Hahnemann seems to look upon Spongia as almost a specific 
in goitre (83) or bronchocele and speaks of getting curative 
action from one or two doses of the tincture. The gland is large 
and hard and there are suffocative spells, worse at night, but as 
Hughes says, "when it" (Spongia) "is preferable to Iodine in its 
treatment we have not learned to predict beforehand." 

In laryngitis and in spasmodic croup (53) Spongia is indicated 
when we have the harsh, barking, croupy cough, the rasping or 
sawing respiration (25) and the suffocative spells rousing the 
child from sleep in fright, with necessity to sit up (41) and per- 
haps with relief from eating (25). 

The larynx is extremely sensitive to touch and even turning 
the head will bring on a suffocative attack. Remember that 



734 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Spongia is, perhaps, the most frequently-indicated remedy in 
false croup without fever. 

In true or membranous croup it would be indicated by the 
suffocative attacks and after the febrile stage had passed. Hahne- 
mann, who for other things than goitre advises the 30th potency, 
lays especial stress on this symptom as calling for Spongia in true 
croup: " Difficulty in drawing the breath, as if a cork were stick- 
ing in the larynx and the breath could not penetrate through the 
narrowed orifice of the larynx" (25). 

Allen says: "It is possible, however, now to prescribe Iodine 
or Bromine, as occasion demands, with accuracy, and thus avoid 
the necessity of giving Spongia (which combines in a feeble way 
some properties of both these drugs)." 

Spongia is useful in laryngeal phthisis (125), with great hoarse- 
ness, and in chronic hoarseness (117), especially if the voice gives 
out when talking or singing. 

In many of the respiratory troubles we find that there is relief 
from eating and, may be, from drinking, such as oppression of 
breathing, better from eating (24). and in bronchitis with suffo- 
cative attacks of coughing, worse from dry, cold air (40), from 
lying with the head low (41) and when in a hot room (41), and 
better from eating (40) and drinking (40). 

It has been used with success in the dry suffocative cough 
associated with aneurism (41), or with enlarged bronchial glands. 

Another field of usefulness for Spongia is in the male sexual 
organs, where we find the spermatic cord swollen and painful 
and the testicles swollen (188), with a bruised, pinching, squeez- 
ing pain (188) extending into the spermatic cord. 

I use Spongia 1st. 

SQUILLA. 

Scilla — Squilla — Squill or Sea-onion — Scilla Maritima. 

(Scilla or squilla — s/a'AAa, skilla, a squill (shrimp), sea-onion.) 
Squilla was first proved for our school by Hahnemann. 
(The compound syrup of squills, as used by the old school, is 
not wholly dependent upon squills for its action, as the emetic 



STANNUM. 735 

property of this combination is due chiefly to the tartar-emetic 
which it contains.) 

Squilla is of frequent use for irritations and inflammations of 
the mucous membranes of the air-passages, the cough often 
accompanied by involuntary discharge of urine (52). 

It is of value in bronchitis, both acute and chronic, generally 
with a good deal of mucus in the chest, which rattles (45) and 
causes violent spasms of cough. Associated with this rattling 
cough we usually have severe sticking pains in the sides of the 
chest (49), especially on the 1. side. For all the seeming loose- 
ness of the mucus, the patient must cough a long time before it 
can be expectorated, after which he has relief. 

Hering says that the Squilla cough is worse on going from 
warm into cold air (40) and the cough is also worse, or brought 
on by drinking (41); from cold drinks (41). 

In the cough of Squilla, for all the difficulty in raising the 
accumulation of mucus, there is little prostration but usually 
sharp, sticking pains (49), especially in the 1. side of the chest, 
and during the paroxysms of cough we are apt to have involuntary 
spurting of urine (52). 

There may be a dry morning cough, from 5-7 a. m., caused by 
a sort of spasm in the pit of the stomach, the paroxysm of cough 
always followed by need to clear the nose (51); also violent 
paroxysms of cough associated with lachrymation (51) and 
sneezing (51). 

Allium cepa and Aloes are incompatible with Squilla. 

I use Squilla 6th. 

STANNUM. 

Tin. 

Hahnemann, who first proved Stannum, makes fun of the 
allopaths, who then, as well as at the present time, were prob- 
ably desirous of being looked upon as belonging to the scientific 
school of medicine. Hahnemann tells us that they "only know 
of tin as a remedy for tape-worm, and use it only in the form of 
tin filings, of which they theoretically (for careful testing is too 



736 MATERIA MEDICA. 

much trouble for them), they theoretically declare 'that it expels 
the tape-worm from the bowels solely in a mechanical manner, 
by means of its weight and sharp points/ without thinking that, 
were this true, iron, silver or gold filings must be able to do the 
same. 

"Now, in order to effect this theoretically inferred scouring 
out of the tape- worm by the sharp points of the tin filings with 
greater certainty, they gave to the patient these tin filings, in 
doses, the larger the better; as much as half of a whole ounce, or 
even more at a time, and this dose repeated several times" (Mat. 
Med. Pur a). 

For our use, pure tin is dissolved in hydrochloric acid and the 
metal then thrown down, in the form of powder, by the galvanic 
current. It must be triturated up to the 3rd before a dilution can 
be made. 

Hahnemann, in his Materia Medica Pura, under Stannum, says, 
in a foot-note: "I used to carry the dilution up to the billion- 
fold" (6th), "but in the course of time found the million-fold 
(3rd) adequate for all medicinal purposes." 

While I use Stannum 3rd trit., I am not aware of it being con- 
ceded that it should not be used higher. 

The sphere of action of Stannum is not well known, but its 
curative powers in bronchial and pulmonary diseases is well 
established. 

There are two prominent symptoms of the remedy that we must 
keep in mind ; one, the weak, gone feeling in the chest ; the other, 
the gradual increase and decrease of the various pains (148). 

There is a general weariness, and "great lassitude when walk- 
ing" (Hering), a nervous weakness (156) and a sad, tearful mood 
but crying makes her worse (132), and as Farrington points out, 
"this low-spiritedness is found in the lung troubles for which 
Stannum is your remedy." 

The headache of Stannum is as from pressure inward in the 
1. temple, or as from a hoop (105) pressing against the forehead 
and around the head; the pains gradually increase in severity 
and then gradually diminish until they disappear. The head- 
aches are worse from motion (96), stooping and from noise (96). 



IMIMHH 



STANNUM. 737 

Stannum is a valuable remedy for " blenorrhoea of the lachrymal 
sac, with profuse yellowish- white discharge" (Hering), and for 
stricture of the lachrymal duct (125). Moderate strictures, which 
are frequently dependent upon catarrhal inflammation, usually 
give better results from internal medication than from probing. 

Stannum is useful in neuralgia of the stomach characterized 
by the gradual increase and decrease of the pain, and in neuralgia 
of the intestines, with nausea and retching, even to the vomiting 
of blood. In the colic of nursing infants it is of value when the 
pain is better from hard pressure (175), or by laying the child, 
face downward, across the knees or over the shoulder of the nurse. 

It is a remedy of value in prolapsus of the uterus (203) and 
vagina, associated with great lassitude, and for leucorrhoea, which 
is thin, yellow and transparent, with great debility and bearing- 
down sensation, but in all these conditions we find especially 
a weak, drawn, or gone sensation in the chest. 

In chronic catarrh of the pharynx we have hawking up of hard 
lumps of mucus and roughness and dryness of the throat. In 
acute bronchial catarrhs, the cough is worse from noon until 
midnight every day, and generally the cough is dry the forepart 
of the night. In both acute and chronic conditions the cough is 
worse from talking (43), laughing (41), warm drinks (41), or 
from lying on the r. side (42). 

While the expectoration may be salty (70), the characteristic 
expectoration is of small hard lumps (69), or balls of sweetish- 
mucus (70) that fly out of the mouth when coughing, and roll 
on the floor. With the cough there is a sensation of great weak- 
ness of the chest (30) and they can speak only a few words at a 
time. 

There is hoarseness on beginning to talk or sing (117), with a 
feeling of weakness and emptiness in the chest, so that she must 
stop constantly and take a deep breath; at times the hoarseness 
is better from expulsive cough. 

In phthisis we would think of Stannum with the sensation of 
weakness of the chest and the expectoration of small balls of hard 
mucus that will roll on the floor. 

In pleurisy (150) it is useful with knife-like stitches mostly in 



738 MATERIA MEDICA. 

the 1. upper chest, the pains worse inspiration, pressure and when 
bending forward or stooping. 
I use Stannum 3rd. 

STAPHISAGRIA. 

Stavesacre — Lark-spur. 

You will call this plant Staphisagria (<rra<£is, staphis, grape + 
ayptos, agrios, wild, hence the common name stavesacre) when 
speaking to a homoeopath; Delphinium staphisagria (Se\</>is, 
delphis, a dolphin, which its flower is supposed to remind you of) 
when speaking to a druggist; and Lark-spur (any plant of the 
genus Delphinium, so-called from the spur-shaped formation of 
its flower) when telling the nurse in charge of an orphan asylum 
to use the ointment on the children's heads, for it is very efficient, 
locally, for body or head lice. 

Hahnemann, in speaking of the results of his proving, says: 
" Curative virtues have been elicited from this medicinal sub- 
stance which are of infinitely greater value than its power to kill 
lice." He recommends its use in the 30th. 

Staphisagria is frequently of value as an antidote to the chronic 
effects of mercury poisoning (139), especially as found in the 
mouth. It has a pronounced effect on the nervous system, with 
great sensitiveness "to the least impression, either mental or 
physical" (Hering). 

The Staphisagria child has a temper (184) and the mother 
always looks in the father's direction when she speaks of it (30). 
The child is cross, peevish and irritable; you cannot please it and 
it throws away anything you give it to play with. This irrit- 
ability is one degree in advance of that found under Chamomilla. 
Associated with this irritability we may have a state of ravenous 
hunger (119), hunger even when the stomach is full. 

The adult prefers solitude and while shy of the opposite sex, 
he lets his thoughts dwell on sexual subjects. 

The patient is very sensitive to adverse criticism and is always 
thinking of it; feels acutely the slightest wrong or "thinks the 
least thing done is a premeditated insult" (Talcott); and Sta- 



STAPHISAGRIA. 739 

phisagria is not only useful for illness due to wounded pride or 
chagrin, but also for the bad effects of anger. 

In the head there is a neuralgic headache, with a sensation of 
a lump or ball in the middle of the forehead which cannot be 
shaken off, or as if the head, at the forehead, were being com- 
pressed (106). 

It is a useful remedy for moist, fetid eruptions on the back of 
the head and behind the ears (64), which serve as a good breed- 
ing place for pediculi. There is itching and biting, the hair falls 
out and the scalp is painfully sensitive to touch (91). 

It is of value for scofulous ophthalmia (76) and for tumors 
or chalazion of the lids (79) and it is of first importance for the 
recurrence of styes, especially on the lower lid, when they are 
inclined to abort and leave little, hard nodules. It acts also as 
a prophylactic against styes (183). If the case is seen in time, the 
remedy will often abort the stye that is coming, and if taken too 
late to do that, it will bring it to a good head and prevent the rest 
of the crop from making their appearance. 

The mouth is sore and ulcerated (140), associated with much 
mucus and perhaps bloody saliva. The gums are spongy, bleed 
easily (84), are retracted (84) and painful to touch. 

It is of value for dental fistula (187), with sensitiveness to cold 
water. 

In children the teeth grow black (186) and become brittle (186) 
and in older people the teeth decay early (186), and are soft and 
crumble. 

It is useful in toothache associated with menstruation (187) as 
well as in the toothache of pregnancy (188). With the toothache 
we have pains shooting into the ear and temple, aggravation after 
eating (187), fiom cold drinks (187), cold air (187) and cold 
weather. Hard pressure frequently relieves the toothache, which 
may be aggravated by light pressure (188). 

Besides the condition of ravenous hunger, already spoken of, 
as associated with the crossness of children, there is a sensation 
of goneness as if the stomach and abdomen hung down relaxed 
(179), and noticed especially, perhaps, after one's feelings have 
been hurt. 
48 



740 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Staphisagria has a griping, twisting colic from drinking cold 
water (177), with aggravation from heat or hot applications, and 
Hering speaks of " biliary colic, after domestic disturb ances" 
(177). There are eructations (182) and flatus tasting and smell- 
ing like rotten eggs and in the diarrhoea the movements are hot 
and of the same odor as the flatus (59). 

The diarrhoea is often caused by, or is worse from, drinking 
cold water (57), or it is a chronic condition (58) in weak and 
sickly children, where, as additional indications, we find the 
black and crumbly teeth and the moist, fetid eruptions on the 
scalp. 

Staphisagria is a remedy that will be indicated very frequently 
in those who are addicted to abnormal sexual thoughts and 
actions; and included in its general train of symptoms will be 
the hypochondriacal state of which we have already spoken (168). 

Talcott says: "It produces a chronic irritation and hyper- 
excitability of the male genital organs, particularly of the pros- 
tatic urethra and the adjacent seminal ducts; and secondarily 
develops all the physical and mental symptoms of spermator- 
rhoea " and it is of great value "in removing the results of exces- 
sive masturbation in either sex." In addition we have the re- 
laxation of the abdomen, with, in the male, prostatic irritation 
or inflammation (155), or posterior urethritis, and in the female 
prolapsus of the uterus (203) and ovaritis, with great sensitive- 
ness (148). 

In the female this state is often due to enforced continence 
during absence of husband or from widowhood and Staphisagria 
has been called the widow's remedy (146). 

It has been used for amenorrhcea (134) "from severe chagrin 
or great indignation" (Minton), and it is useful for irregular 
menstruation, with aching around the hips, loss of power in the 
legs and general lack of tone, especially when the result of a too 
prolonged engagement or the unhappy ending of one. 

Staphisagria is occasionally indicated in secondary syphilis, 
with soft excrescences on the penis, which are moist and offen- 
sive. 

It is of value in orchitis, with burning, stinging, or pain as if 



STICTA PULMONARIA. 741 

compressed (188), and especially when due to metastasis from 
mumps (188). 

Staphisagria is a remedy to be thought of in chronic gout, 
with nodosities especially of the ringers (161). 

It is useful for herpes zoster (114), with shooting pains down 
the thighs, and for eruptions which are moist, offensive and 
accompanied by itching, with the peculiarity of the remedy that 
while scratching relieves, the itching reappears in another place. 

It is a remedy useful for injuries resulting from smooth, clean 
cuts and is, therefore, of value for neuralgic pains following 
operations (15). 

Ranunculus bulb, is more or less incompatible with Staphisagria. 

I use Staphisagria 30th. 

STICTA PULMONARIA. 

Tree Lungwort — Lung Moss. 

(o-tikto?, stiktos, spotted, pitted.) 

A spotted lichen growing on the trunks of large trees; that 
which grows on the sugar maple seems to be the best. Because 
this lichen somewhat resembles a human lung, we not only obtain 
the second name of the plant, but also the popular idea that it 
is a lung remedy. 

It was first proved for us by Dr. S. P. Burdick, of this country, 
in 1864. 

While we will not have very much to say concerning Sticta, as 
it has not a great range of action, still some of its symptoms are 
important and I should not be surprised if you would use it oftener 
than some of the remedies that have a much larger pathogenesis. 

I think that Sticta is usually used low, tincture or 1st, but my 
first success with it was when, on the advice of Dr. Deschere, I 
used it high. 

As it is especially for coughs that you may expect to find the 
most frequent use for the remedy, we will speak of them first, and 
at the same time acknowledge our indebtedness to Dr. Clarence 
E. Beebe, our late Professor of Laryngology, for his clinical re- 
port. 



742 MATERIA MEDICA. 

The cough of Sticta is short, dry, hacking, and worse at night 
on lying down (41). It is painless and causes the patient no 
inconvenience other than it is incessant and, therefore, annoying, 
but especially that it prevents one from getting any sleep at 
night. It is usually caused by tickling or irritation in the throat, 
but the constant (44), " minute gun," hacking, painless cough 
is what will lead you to prescribe Sticta. 

It is frequently indicated in the incessant cough of measles, 
and for the hacking cough of nervous (46) or hysterical patients; 
they are unable to stop coughing long enough to permit them to 
get to sleep. 

It is to be thought of in hay-fever (88), with incessant sneez- 
ing and hot, irritating discharge, with fulness in forehead and 
root of nose (39) and tingling in nose. These discharges some- 
times dry up and we have a distressing dryness of the nose and 
palate, the mucous surfaces feeling as stiff as leather, with occa- 
sional discharges of scabby mucus (143). 

Sticta has been used for rheumatism of the small (161) as well 
as the larger joints and the muscles connecting them, but we 
have no especial indications for its use, the words darting pains in 
muscles and joints being all that the pathogenesis gives us. 

Clinically it has been found of value for housemaid's knee 
(125) and for synovitis of the knee or other joints, subsequent 
to inflammatory rheumatism. 

Sticta has a nervous symptom which has been made use of in 
chorea (31), where there is a constant jumping about and a 
sensation as if the feet and legs were floating in the air, and with 
aggravation during the evening and night. 

I use Sticta 15th. 

STRAMONIUM. 

Datura Stramonium — Jamestown or Jimson Weed — Thorn- 
apple — Mad Apple — Stink-weed. 

(Datura — from the Hindu dhatura, a plant; stramonium, origin 
obscure.) 

The name " Jimson", a corruption of Jamestown, resulted from 



STRAMONIUM. 743 

this circumstance. In a history of Virginia we read that some 
soldiers sent to Jamestown to quell the rebellion of Bacon (1676), 
gathered the young sprouts of Stramonium and ate them as a 
pottage, "the effect of which was a very pleasant comedy, for 
they turned natural fools upon it for several days." 

It was once maintained that America was the birthplace of 
Stramonium, but now it is believed to be indigenous to the Old 
World. 

At present it is found only near the habitations of man, and 
then generally in garbage heaps, where the soil is loose but rich, 
being in reality a true weed of civilization. So thoroughly does 
it cling to waste heaps, that the American Indians named it the 
White Man's Plant, in allusion to its only place of growth, i. e., 
near the homes of the civilized. 

While Stramonium is not of such ancient use as Hyoscyamus, 
still Baron Storck, who revived the use of the latter, was the first 
to introduce Stramonium into medicine to any extent (1760). 
He used it internally in mania and epilepsy, and having the germ 
of the idea that Hahnemann elaborated, says: "If Stramonium 
produces symptoms of madness in a healthy person, would it not 
be desirable to make experiments in order to discover whether 
this plant, by its effect on the brain in changing the ideas and 
the state of the sensorium (i. e., of the part, whatever it may be, 
which is the centre of action of the nerves upon the body) — ; 
should we not, I say, try whether this plant would not restore to 
a healthy state those who are suffering from alienation of mind? 
and if by the change which Stramonium would cause in those who 
suffer from convulsions, by putting them into a contrary state 
to that in which they were, would it not cause their cure?" 

The old school use the drug as a narcotic and antispasmodic, 
and especially do we find the dried leaves smoked as cigarettes 
for the relief of asthma (from Millspaugh). 

Stramonium was first proved by Hahnemann. 

While all parts of the plant have strong narcotic properties, 
we use only the powdered seeds to make our tincture. Mills- 
paugh points out that if the mixture of seeds and alcohol remains 
for longer than the customary eight days, the filtrate will grow 



744 MATERIA MEDICA. 

stronger each day until it finally becomes opaque. This he men- 
tions simply to show that our tincture does not represent the full 
strength of the seed. 

Stramonium acts upon the sensorium, stimulating it to undue 
activity and produces delirium. It produces suppression of the 
urine; great sexual excitement; tendency to convulsions; fiery 
eruptions of the skin similar to Belladonna; dryness of the throat, 
with fear of water. 

A feature of especial interest is the delirium or mania. It par- 
ticipates, to a certain extent, of the character of that found under 
Belladonna and Hyoscyamus, inasmuch as there is excitement, 
talking, singing, etc., as well as in attempts to get out of bed 
(53) and escape (53), but in Slramonium there is especial terror, 
or hallucinations of small black objects which are likened to 
snakes, bugs or roaches, or to small black animals (54), such as 
cats, dogs and rabbits. The pupils are dilated (76) and sensi- 
tive or otherwise to light, and we often find a false or double 
vision (77) in which the patient sees more horrifying images at 
his side than in front of him, or " letters or objects appear to be 
double" (Dunham). 

There is less fever than we find under Belladonna and greater 
frenzy than under Hyoscyamus. 

"Fear and hope, jollity and rage, frenzy and apathy follow 
each other in rapid succession under Stramonium," says Talcott, 
"the patient desires light and company, and at the same time is 
often terrified by bright objects, and seeks to fight those whom 
he constantly wishes to have in his presence. He has hallucina- 
tions of sight during which horrible images are conjured up, and 
horrible animals are seen jumping out of the ground and running 
at their affrighted victim." 

Talcott, in commenting upon the similarity of the delirium of 
Stramonium with that of some other remedies, makes this differ- 
entiation, and says: "Now remember this group of facts: Bella- 
donna is fierce and brave; Hyoscyamus is jolly and companion- 
able; Stramonium is wild and cowardly; Veratrum Album is hope- 
less and despairing, or wildly plaintive, and beseeching for his 
salvation, which is apparently lost.'' 



STRAMONIUM. 745 

The loquacity of Stramonium (55) is confined to one subject 
and he is inclined to imagine that he is talking to spirits or to 
absent people. In the delirium of fever we sometimes find an 
abnormal sense of the proportions of his body (54); he imagines 
that certain parts are of unnatural size, or that they are double. 

There is in Stramonium fear of the dark (80), complaining that 
it was dark and calling for a light. It has also a form of photo- 
mama that has been made of great practical use. Amongst the 
pathogenetic symptoms we notice, convulsions at sight of a 
lighted candle, at sight of a mirror, or of water. Then we find 
that there is difficulty in swallowing on account of a spasm, or 
constriction of the muscles of deglutition on attempting to swal- 
low (183). These symptoms have led to its use in hydrophobia 
(119), and as Allen says, "of all drugs known to us, this seems 
most nearly a specific for this dreadful disease, and some cases 
supposed to be genuine have been cured." 

It is useful in convulsions resulting from fright (36), and 
especially from being frightened by animals. Dunham speaks of 
the convulsions of this remedy as affecting "isolated groups of 
muscles" and "the arms more than the lower extremities." It 
is frequently indicated in delirium tremens (54), and particularly 
when we have the classical symptoms of visions and terrors con- 
cerning snakes and small, dark-colored animals. 

Stramonium is useful in chorea (31), with constant restless 
(160) movements and the fright of the remedy (81), also in 
chorea affecting especially the muscles of the face, causing it to 
assume all sorts of grotesque expressions, but not, as Allen tells 
us, for chorea "which persistently attacks certain muscles." 
Dunham, after saying that it "has been found the most useful 
drug in the Materia Medica in this malady," continues, "it should 
be noted, however, that chorea being almost always (at least in 
my experience) associated with, if not based upon, a depraved 
and vitiated state of the nutrition involving changes of organic 
substance, no such remedy as Stramonium, which does not modify 
nutrition nor alter the organic substance, can be relied upon as 
the sole or even the chief remedy; I have, accordingly, though 
finding Stramonium very useful to moderate the severity of the 



746 MATERIA MEDICA. 

purely nervous phenomena, been obliged to trust to" other 
" remedies, alterative in character ... for a permanent cure." 

We have in Stramonium vertigo when walking in the dark and 
with tendency to fall forward and to the left (207), and a boring 
(106) frontal headache that is preceded by obscure vision (104); 
this obscureness of vision is apt to be on the opposite side to the 
pain, for when the sight of one eye is blurred, the pain appears on 
the opposite side of the head. 

It is a remedy that you will find of value for the nervous state 
causing stammering or stuttering (182). 

Stramonium is useful in the diarrhcea occurring during typhoid, 
with black, putrid (59) stools, and it is "of great service in the 
suppression of urine (200), without pain or discomfort, and 
usually occurring in the course of long fevers, such as typhus 
or typhoid." 

Hahnemann was the first to call our attention to the fact that 
most of the affections to which Stramonium is homoeopathic are 
characterized by painlessness. 

It is a remedy to be thought of in dysmenorrhea, in puerperal 
mania (129) and convulsions (155), and in nymphomania (146) 
either menstrual or puerperal. 

Stramonium is of value in asthma (19), with suffocation and 
desire for fresh air, and especially spasmodic asthma (21), with 
aggravation even from talking, and with great difficulty in in- 
spiration. 

It has a spasmodic cough, with jerking of the lower extremi- 
ties (51). In whooping cough (48) it would be indicated by 
the severity of the paroxysms, the almost convulsive character 
of the suffocation and the fright that each attack causes. 

In scarlet fever, " Stramonium stands next to Belladonna" but 
we find "the throat affection less" and "the fever less than that 
of Belladonna" (Dunham), but it is especially useful before the 
eruption appears, or when it has been suppressed (130), and 
accompanied by delirium or convulsions (35). We must not 
forget here that suppression of the urine would be an important 
and an additional indication for the remedy (200). 

I use Stramonium 3rd. 



STROPHANTHUS HISPIDUS. 747 

STROPHANTHUS HISPIDUS. 

An African Shrub. 

(Strophanthus — a-Tp<ixf>o<s, strophos, twisted + avOos, anthos, 
flower. Hispidus, hairy.) 

Strophanthus, which affords the very violent inee poison of 
Western Africa, has been known medicinally as a heart poison 
since 1878. 

Our first provings date back only to 1885 or 1887, but as that 
and subsequent provings have not been complete, our knowl- 
edge of the drug is very limited and its field of usefulness is thus 
made very narrow. As we know so little of it as a remedy, we 
are more apt to use it, as we do many of our heart drugs, more as 
a palliative than upon its homoeopathic indications. 

Strophanthus acts, probably, directly upon the heart muscle, 
increasing the systole (114) and diminishing the rapidity of the 
heart. Poisonous doses paralyze the heart. It is a more power- 
ful heart stimulant than Digit, but is, perhaps, safer to use and 
can be continued longer, as it has not the cumulative action 
that the latter is supposed to have. 

It has been found valuable in muscular weakness of the heart, 
it making the pulse slower, stronger and more regular; useful in 
chronic interstitial nephritis, it increasing the flow of urine and 
diminishing the dropsy, as well as in valvular lesions of the heart, 
with chronic interstitial nephritis as a secondary complication. 

"It acts best," says Allen, "in functional disturbance of the 
heart, from alcohol (111), tobacco, tea" (111). 

Dr. Geo. Royal, who conducted a proving for the American 
Institute of Homoeopathy, reaches the same conclusion and says: 
"Give Strophanthus when the muscular fibres of the heart have 
been made brittle by rheumatic deposits or by prolonged and 
excessive use of alcohol, tea or tobacco; when this condition of 
the heart muscle has produced a weakness which has interfered 
with the venous circulation, and has thereby caused passive con- 
gestion and inflammation of the kidneys which in turn has 
caused a decrease of the secretion of urine, with the resulting 
dropsical swelling of the extremities, edema of the lungs, im- 
paired vision, etc." (Trans., 1900). 



748 MATERIA MEDICA. 

He also says: "Do not give this drug in 5, 10 or 15 drop doses 
of the tincture. Just bear in mind that the heart muscle is brittle 
and must not be unduly stimulated. Use it in the lx, 2x or 3x 
and you will get prompt relief, which in a certain proportion of 
cases will go on to a permanent cure" (N. A. Jour. Horn., June, 
'93). 

I have never used Straphanthus other than in the tincture. 

SULPHUR. 

White Sublimed Sulphur — Flowers of Sulphur. 

Hahnemann advises us against the use of Sulphur made with 
flowers of sulphur and alcohol to form the tincture, and says 
that it is far inferior to that prepared by triturating flowers of 
sulphur with sugar of milk up to the 3rd, and that our potencies 
should be run up from the 3rd triturate rather than from the 
tincture. 

Hahnemann was the first to prove Sulphur for our school, al- 
though its use as a medicine extends back to the beginning of the 
Christian era. As a purifier, its use is still more ancient and 
dates at least to as many years before Christ's time as we have 
lived since, for in what is put down as 1898 B. C. we read that 
"the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone 
and fire." 

The first pathogenesis of Sulphur as published by Hahnemann, 
contained only 151 symptoms. These he constantly added to, 
so that in the last edition of his Chronic Diseases they numbered 
1,969. In 1857 the re-proving of Sulphur was published by the 
Austrian Homoeopathic Society, which not only confirmed Hahne- 
mann's symptoms, but added many new ones, so that in Allen's 
Encyclopaedia, which includes the results of all provings, there 
are a total of 4,083 symptoms. 

"Since Sulphur/' says Allen, "is an integral part of every form 
of protoplasm, it follows that all tissues become affected by its 
abnormal exhibition, and no particular limit of character can be 
assigned to it. Its action on the dermoid tissues is, however, 
very pronounced." It is a tissue remedy of tissue remedies. 



SULPHUR. 749 

The Sulphur patient, or the type of person that the remedy is 
especially adapted to, has light complexion (88) and blue or 
brown eyes, with very red lips and redness of the other orifices 
of the body, especially noticeable around the eyelids, and often 
associated with soreness and burning of these parts. He has 
harsh, rough skin and coarse hair, and is liable to skin eruptions. 
He is weak, lean, and if a child, pot-bellied (31). He is stoop- 
shouldered, never walks erect and lolls when sitting; standing is 
the most uncomfortable position for him and he drops into a chair 
at every opportunity, being loose-jointed seemingly, or too lazy 
to keep his backbone straight. He is restless (160), nervous and 
easily irritated. There is a general disagreeable odor to the 
exhalations of the body, a general aggravation from heat and an 
aversion to, as well as aggravation from, bathing. 

Sulphur is adapted to a person of a scrofulous diathesis, one 
who is subject to venous (207) and especially to portal conges- 
tion. It is a remedy adapted to rouse the reactive powers of 
the system to increased vigor; to complaints that are constantly 
relapsing, where the patient seems to get almost well, when the 
disease returns again and again; and it is especially adapted to 
disorders that alternate with skin eruptions, or to chronic scrofu- 
lous diseases that have resulted from suppressed eruptions. In 
other words, a person with a psoric taint, and Sulphur is our 
great anti-psoric remedy. 

It may not be out of place here to stop for a moment while we 
ask the questions, and try to answer them, what is psora and 
what do we mean by an anti-psoric remedy? 

In Hahnemann's time, and unfortunately for humanity, ever 
since, skin eruptions were treated, by allopaths, principally by 
means of local applications, and sulphur formed the basis of all 
such ointments. The result, as Hahnemann shows us, is that 
great and lasting harm is done to the afflicted one, as the erup- 
tion, instead of being cured, is driven from the surface to some 
internal organ. Instead of considering the eruption as constitu- 
tional, and that some dyscrasia of the internal economy is the 
cause of the local manifestations, the eruption was and is still 
treated upon the theory that if you cannot see it the trouble 
does not exist. 



750 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Hahnemann believed "that at least seven-eighths of all chronic 
maladies spring from" psora "as their only source, while the 
remaining eighth spring from syphilis and sycosis" (Chr. Dis.). 

Now psora, scabies or the itch is, as Dearborn gives the defini- 
tion, "An animal parasitic disease due to the burrowing in the 
epidermis of the female acarus, resulting in multiple irritative 
lesions, which are aggravated by scratching." 

We know it now, but "the acarus was only demonstrated in the 
year 1834, and only since then scabies was fully enrolled among 
the parasitic cutaneous affections" (Lilienthal, Am. Inst. Trans., 
'86). 

Hahnemann and his contemporaries did not know that scabies 
was due to an animal parasite; but does that fact destroy the 
truth and value of his psora theory? It does if Hahnemann 
limited it to what we now know as psora; so it will be well worth 
our time to look it up and learn what he says in his writings con- 
cerning it, and find out if the strictures put upon it by the old 
school, or the intricate attempts at explanation by some of our 
school, are justified. 

Briefly, Hahnemann's psora theory is that chronic diseases 
are caused or abetted by some constitutional dyscrasia, inher- 
ited or acquired, that lies dormant in the system. If a disease 
has been suppressed instead of cured, and especially if such 
suppression has been caused by the use of external applications, 
it will give rise not only to constitutional symptoms, but it will 
taint the entire organism, predisposing the system to many other 
diseases by lowering its power of resistance, as well as modifying 
any other disease from which the patient may afterwards suffer. 
Our first efforts, therefore, in treating any chronic disease must 
be directed to finding out and removing any original taint that 
may exist before we can hope to get a clear picture of, and cure 
the disease that the patient comes to us for. 

In reading what Hahnemann has to say about psora it would 
seem as if there could be no question that he was not referring to 
a parasitic origin, for his whole argument is about the itch erup- 
tion being constitutional, its being repressed by external appli- 
cations and the troubles arising therefrom, for he says: "The 



SULPHUR. 751 

first little pustule of itch, with its unbearable voluptuous itching 
... is in every case and every time the proof of a universal itch 
disease which has been previously developed in the interior of 
the whole organism." 

He also says: "The older physicians were more conscientious 
in this matter" (of suppressing the itch by external applications). 
"They saw clearly and became convinced that innumerable ail- 
ments and the most severe chronic diseases followed the destruc- 
tion of the itch eruption from the skin. And since this experience 
compelled them to assume the existence of an internal disease, 
in every case of itch they endeavored to extirpate this internal 
malady by means of a multitude of internal remedies as good 
-as their therapeutics afforded. . . . This prevented their reliance 
on mere local destruction of the itch from the skin, as practiced 
by modern physicians, who think that they cannot quickly enough 
drive it away — as if it were a mere external disease of the skin — 
without regarding the great injuries attending such a course." 

Hahnemann is constantly referring to the itch as the psora, the 
one generic term for many a non-venereal ailment associated 
with a skin eruption, for example: "When the itch eruption has 
only lately broken out, and is not yet widely spread on the skin, 
nothing of the general internal malady of the psora is as yet to be 
noticed in the state of the p'atient." Also: "Gradually I discov- 
ered more effective means against this original malady that 
caused so many complaints; against this malady which may be 
called by the general name of Psora; i. e., against the internal 
itch disease with or without its attendant eruption on the skin." 
Again we read: "These are the characteristic secondary symp- 
toms of the long-unacknowledged, thousand-headed monster, 
pregnant with disease, the Psora" (Chr. Dis.). 

This theory of chronic diseases being due to latent taint, is 
now being advocated by that school of medicine which announces 
its appropriation of homoeopathic ideas as discoveries; but while 
Hahnemann's theory is now an acknowledged fact, "the word 
psora was a misnomer" (Lilienthal). This mis-use of the word 
we, with our present knowledge, are able to recognize, but con- 
tinue the term, not only because we are accustomed to it, but 



752 MATERIA MEDICA. 

also because there is no other one word to be found that can 
take its place; we must understand, however, that it is not to be 
taken in its limited sense. 

Our retention of the word psora reminds one of the story told 
of Horace Greely, who, when conversing with an Englishman 
concerning some diplomatic talk that the United States had in- 
dulged in, remarked: "The trouble with us is that we need a 
darn'd good licking." 

"Yes, Mr. Greely, you do," rejoined the Englishman, pleased 
at the admission. But his exultation was short-lived, for Greely 
broke in, as if finishing his former sentence: "But there is no one 
that can do it." 

As we have seen under Nux vom. that it is often good practice 
to start patients coming to us from old-school hands with a few 
doses of this remedy, in order to antidote the drugs taken and 
so clear up the symptoms of the case, so we find with Sulphur that 
it is often necessary to begin the treatment of chronic cases with 
this remedy, and especially so if we discover that any previous 
trouble that the patient has had has been suppressed. This is 
particularly true if there is a history of any skin eruption that 
has been treated with medicated soaps, lotions or ointments. 
If while taking Sulphur there is a return of their old trouble, such 
as a diarrhoea that they thought had been "stopped," or an old 
skin lesion breaks out afresh, it not only tends to confirm us in our 
diagnosis of a psoric taint, but greatly encourages us as to the 
ultimate cure of our patient. 

If in chronic cases it is frequently found to be of advantage to 
begin the treatment with Sulphur, in any disease, acute or chronic, 
it is a remedy of great value when improvement seems to have 
reached a standstill, or when relapses threaten. 

It may be that notwithstanding our confidence that the indi- 
cated remedy is being given, the patient fails to respond to it; 
here a few doses of Sulphur will either modify some constitutional 
taint or it will cause the indicated remedy to act with increased 
vigor so that improvement will soon follow (121). In the same 
way a patient has been taking a certain remedy for some time 
when we notice that a halt seems to have been called and that 



SULPHUR. 753 

the disease is not making the same rate towards recovery that 
it made in the beginning, and it looks as though the remedy was 
losing its effect on the system. We may, if we have been using 
a low potency, jump to a high one of the same remedy; or, if we 
have been using a high potency, drop suddenly to a very low one 
for a few doses and then back to the original potency and find 
that improvement will result from the change; or we may give 
two or three doses of Sulphur at short intervals, and at the end 
of twenty-four hours return to the regular remedy in the original 
potency and find that the progress now made is as satisfactory 
as it was before the system grew tolerant of the remedy. As 
Lilienthal truly says, " There is no remedy like Sulphur in the 
whole Materia Medica, to make other drugs work." 

Sulphur is a very useful remedy in the treatment of the negro, 
probably from the prevalence of scrofula in that race, as is also 
Pulsatilla, which covers the emotional sphere. 

Other than the time of aggravation, which we will consider 
under each separate heading as it differs with the condition or 
part affected, the Sulphur patient is generally worse from heat 
(8) and from water applied externally (8), with relief of the 
skin symptoms from scratching. 

The disposition of the patient is one of irritability (184), with 
no desire to talk, except to find fault with those about him, in- 
cluding his medical adviser. He is out of sorts with everything, 
takes pleasure in nothing; a chronic grumbler, a man with a 
liver. At times, and especially, perhaps, in the evening, there 
is a lachrymose mood, with loss of courage, but he will resent any 
pleasantry on your part or any attempt to cheer him up (132). 

It is a remedy useful in melancholia, with sadness and a sense 
of disgrace; in melancholia after labor (131) and in religious 
melancholia (131), especially when associated with abdominal 
plethora. 

Talcott says: ''Sulphur is frequently useful in the treatment 
of patients with chronic mania, who attach great value to trifling 
objects, who dress themselves up in rags, wear paper crowns, 
and imagine that they are kings and queens," or as Dr. H. N. 
Guernsey puts it, "illusions of the intellect where one turns 



754 MATERIA MEDICA. 

everything into beauty and an old rag or a stick looks to be of 
beautiful workmanship." 

As to its value as an intercurrent, Talcott says: "When mental 
symptoms are not well-pronounced in a case of insanity, a few 
doses of Sulphur will often lead the patient to disclose character- 
istic conditions of the mind, and insane delusions which have 
heretofore been concealed." 

There is vertigo in Sulphur, with' rush of blood to the head; 
the vertigo is worse on walking in the open air (207), so that the 
patient dares not stoop nor look down. With the rush of blood 
to the head there is often noticed, heat on the crown of the head 
and cold feet. 

The headaches calling for this remedy may be neuralgic but are 
seldom of an acute character. They are especially congestive 
(103), with a sensation as if compressed by a band around the 
forehead (105); sometimes with a feeling of heaviness, and with 
pressure and weight on the vertex (103) and sensitiveness of the 
vertex to touch (91). The headaches, which are usually asso- 
ciated with abdominal symptoms (95), are worse from moving 
(96), stooping and from warmth (95). 

We find in the Sulphur child a tendency to hydrocephalus 
(119), even tubercular (119), with stupor, diarrhoea and sup- 
pressed urine (119), and it is especially to be thought of when 
caused by the retrocession of eruptions (130). It is useful, 
especially as an intercurrent, in sickly, scrofulous infants when 
the fontanelles are late in closing (91). 

On the scalp we have eruptions, with dryness and falling out 
of the hair on combing. As these eruptions partake of the general 
character of the Sulphur skin lesions, we will consider them all 
here under one heading. The skin is harsh and dry and the 
eruption consists of pustules, vesicles, scales and crusts, and 
whatever name we may give to the lesion, there is always more 
or less burning and a great deal of itching. This itching is best 
described by the word "voluptuous," and it is temporarily re- 
lieved by scratching. "It feels so good to scratch," the patients 
say, and once started, they cannot take their hands off until they 
draw blood (122); it may burn afterwards (122) but the burning 



SULPHUR. 755 

is easier to stand than the itching. The itching is worse from 
warmth (122), especially when they become over-heated from 
exercise and from the warmth of the bed, and the latter may 
account for its being considered as worse at night. 

Bathing the affected part causes increased itching (122), and 
the Sulphur child has an aversion to bathing, and the adult dreads 
it, as it causes such intense itching that continues so long after a 
bath. 

It is a remedy that is frequently indicated for diseases which 
alternate with some form of skin trouble, for skin lesions that are 
chronic and show a tendency to recur. Dearborn tells us that 
while the " location of disturbance is not important, . . . the 
most troublesome forms are found on the warmer regions of the 
skin, such as beneath the hair at the occiput, the folds, flexures 
of joints, arms and genitals/ ' He also says: "No other drug is 
so commonly employed in dermatological practice, and none 
will repay more a careful analysis of its characteristics." 

In the eyes, like on the skin, all sorts of troubles, having various 
long and unpronounceable names, call for this remedy, with the 
general conditions of photophobia, nightly aggravations, sharp 
stinging pains, as if from splinters of glass or grains of sand (77), 
and great dread of having any water touch the eye or face. There 
is itching and dryness of the balls and lids (74), with smarting 
and burning in them (73). There is vision of black specks 
floating before the eyes (77) and an easy fatigue when reading 
(72). It is of value iniritis, both rheumatic (74) and syphilitic 
(74), and in conjunctivitis from foreign bodies, Sulphur follows 
well after Aconite if the latter fails to cure. 

Sulphur is useful for deafness, with noises of various kinds, 
such as roaring (65), and due to inflammations of the middle 
and external ears, and it is frequently indicated in eczema of 
the ears, with deafness and great itching. Whenever there is a 
discharge from the ear calling for this remedy, the odor from it 
is offensive (63). 

In the nose there is redness, itching and dryness and whatever 
mucus there is would be offensive (143); smelling as of old catarrh 
(143) is the mildest term used in the pathogenesis. 
49 



756 MATERIA MEDICA. 

The taste in Sulphur (186) is bitter or sour, or preferably 
vinegary; also vinegary after drinking milk, and it is one of the 
remedies having dyspepsia from drinking milk (6) as well as 
from carbonaceous foods in general (6). A condition often met 
with in practice, is indigestion from starchy foods. A treatment 
often resorted to in such cases, is to hunt among the samples left 
by the obliging manufacturing chemist to see if we cannot find 
some bottle having an especially seductive label, instead of look- 
ing up Sulphur, which would frequently help us because often 
indicated. 

We may have in Sulphur a feeling of fulness and an aversion 
to food as soon as he begins to eat (177), and sour eructations 
(178); but more characteristic of the remedy is a feeling of weak- 
ness, faintness or goneness in the stomach (179) at 11 a. m. (179), 
with necessity to eat, cannot wait for lunch, and with relief from 
this sensation of goneness by eating (175). 

In the abdomen we have distention from wind (13) sensitive- 
ness to touch externally (12), with rumbling and gurgling inter- 
nally (11) and eructations and flatulence smelling like sulphur- 
etted hydrogen (82). 

The liver is engorged and there is frequently ascites (11) and 
we have constipation and haemorrhoids (86), the latter with 
itching (159), stinging and burning pains (61). There is a sen- 
sation of incarcerated flatulence in the 1. side, or a feeling of 
dragging or a heavy weight in the hypogastric region and the 
patient has to stoop over when walking. In many complaints 
requiring this remedy we find that standing erect is troublesome 
to the patient, and that he stands and walks bent over like an 
old man. In abdominal troubles Sulphur follows well after Nux 
vom. to complete the cure begun by the latter. 

The constipation calling for Sulphur is usually a chronic condi- 
tion, with frequent and ineffectual desire for stool (34). This 
desire is felt low down and is as though the rectum were full of 
faeces (35) and the attempt to have a movement is usually with- 
out result, or scanty and unsatisfactory; not "because of inaction 
of the rectum, but because we have congestion, irritation of the 
muscular fibre and irregular inharmonious action" (Dunham). 



SULPHUR. 757 

Along with the constipation we have the sluggish liver, haemor- 
rhoids, soreness and burning at anus, and often headache, with a 
feeling of weight (103) and heat on the vertex. 

You will often find that the constipation calling for Sulphur? 
with the attendant dryness and hyperesthesia of the rectum,. 
has been caused by the constant use of water enemas (34), and 
that after Sulphur has corrected this condition you will need to 
select some other remedy to cure the original constipation for 
which the patient first took the enemas. 

Sulphur well illustrates the two-fold action of all of our reme- 
dies, for it is also of value for diarrhoea of various kinds. The 
stool is usually thin, watery and windy; it may be green (59) or 
bloody, sometimes of undigested food (60) but always offensive 
or fetid (59). Hering says: "The smell of the stool follows him 
around as if he had soiled himself. " There may be pain or not, 
but a characteristic is that it is worse in the early morning and 
drives one out of bed. Allen says, "the necessity is urgent" and 
we can add, hurry is imperative; it is get there or take the con- 
sequences. Associated with the diarrhoea we often have that 
feeling of goneness in the stomach at 10 or 11 a. m., with necessity 
to sit down and relief from eating. 

It is useful for the diarrhoea of scrofulous children (129), with 
open fontanelles (91), tendency to stupor, cold sweat, general 
disagreeable odor of the body and aversion to meat and to wash- 
ing. The diarrhoea may be caused by drinking milk, "during 
dentition' ' (Bell) (58) and from suppressed eruptions. In sub- 
acute dysentery, we would have persistent but not violent ten- 
esmus (61). 

On the bladder we want to think of Sulphur in catarrhal condi- 
tions and in neuralgia with burning micturition (194) and ten- 
esmus, or with painful ineffectual efforts to urinate. In nocturnal 
enuresis (198) many practitioners begin the treatment with 
Sulphur and claim to obtain better results by so doing, as it seems 
to pave the way for the indicated remedy and enables it to work 
with greater energy. It is of value in chronic interstitial nephritis 
(124), especially as an intercurrent, and in chronic gonorrhoea or 
gleet (83), with bright redness of the meatus. 



758 MATERIA MEDICA. 

It is a very useful remedy for pruritus of the vulva (156), with 
burning, stinging and intense itching, worse when the patient is 
in a perspiration or from the heat of the bed. 

As a rule, under Sulphur the menses are too late (136) and of 
too short duration, with tendency towards suppression (134) and 
the menstrual flow is apt to be corrosive, as is also the leucorrhcea 
(126). It is useful in dysmenorrhcea, with pains running from 
the groins to the back and in scanty or suppressed menstruation 
(134), with cold feet (71), or more characteristic of the remedy, 
with burning heat in palms and soles at night, and congestive 
headache, with sensation of great weight on the vertex (103). 

It is to be thought of in prolapsus of the uterus (203), with 
constipation, and in ante version (202), the uterus pressing on the 
bladder, with aggravation on standing or walking, and frequent 
desire to urinate (202). 

Sulphur is a remedy of great value in chest conditions. There 
is usually more or less dyspnoea, the cough is short and dry and 
worse at night after lying down than at any other time. In a 
late stage of pneumonia you will often find it of great service. 
It is when resolution does not take place as it should, the lung 
continues dull and the cough dry; the patient begins to have 
fever at night, with hot hands and feet and hot head. A few doses 
of Sulphur given at this time will generally cause the cough to 
loosen and the hepatization to resolve and the danger of the 
patient developing phthisis to be averted. It is valuable in the 
earliest stage of tuberculosis (149), with need of fresh air (9), 
burning of the hands and feet at night, palpitation and the pecu- 
liar atonic dyspepsia (178), with need to eat at 11 a. m.; and it is 
especially to be thought of if the patient has a history of any 
psoric taint. I doubt if there is another remedy in our Materia 
Medica that has had as many reports made of cures of threatening 
phthisis as you will find under this one, and in the majority of 
cases there has been a history of a previous skin eruption that 
was treated by some local application. 

Sulphur is to be thought of for chronic asthma (19), with suffo- 
cative fits in the forepart of the night, and with necessity to have 
the windows and doors open in order to breathe. 



SULPHUR. 759 

In the heart we find a similar desire for fresh air, as there is a 
sensation of a rush of blood to the heart (113), which seems to 
suddenly grow too large and causes a gasping for air and desire 
to have the windows open. 

In the extremities Sulphur is of value in synovitis, especially 
of the knee (125), with considerable exudation. In rheumatism 
or rheumatic gout, the pains begin in the feet and travel upward 
(163), with burning in the feet all night and aggravation of the 
pains from the heat of the bed (160). 

Burning of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, especi- 
ally at night, is a very prominent symptom under this remedy; 
children will kick the covers off and grown folks will put their 
feet against the wall in order to cool them off. Prof. Shelton 
once said, when he wanted to fix this symptom in the minds of 
his students, that there was an intimate association between Sul- 
phur and burning souls (soles). 

In reference to sleep, the Sulphur patient is apt to be drowsy 
during the day and sleepless at night. One symptom in this 
connection you can usually disregard, as far as curative action 
is concerned, and that is: "In the morning it is hard for him to 
get up" (Chr. Dis.). 

In eruptive fevers it is to be thought of when the eruption is 
but partial and scanty. 

In malarial conditions the principal indications would be the 
aggravation at night, the headache and the hot palms and soles. 
One word in reference to a chronic malarial condition where 
the case has been all mixed up by quinine that the patient has 
taken and you are unable to get a clear and well-defined picture 
of any remedy (121). In such chronic cases a few doses of 
Sulphur will often bring out the suppressed symptoms so that 
the indications for the curative remedy may be seen. 

Hahnemann says: " Sulphur seems to act in the smallest doses 
for from 16 to 20 days" (Mat. Med. Pura). 

I use Sulphur 30th. 



760 MATERIA MEDICA. 

SULPHURIC ACID. 

Sulphuric acid was first proved by Hahnemann. 

There are two general conditions to be kept in mind in reference 
to this remedy; the one, a tendency to haemorrhage from various 
parts of the body and from every orifice; the other, the stomach 
conditions, with nausea and vomiting, and craving for alcoholic 
stimulants. 

Other things being equal, the Sulphuric acid patient is in a bad 
way. 

It is a remedy of value in purpura hemorrhagica (158), with 
dark blood or bluish ecchymotic spots. 

In typhoid fever calling for it, we would have great drowsiness, 
rapid sinking of the strength, deathly paleness of the face, hsemor- 
rhages (193) from various parts and sense of general trembling 
(192), without it being visible. In addition, there would be sour 
vomiting and sour discharges, with desire for alcoholic stimulants, 
which give relief. 

Sulphuric acid is a traumatic remedy, useful for the "bad 
effects from mechanical injuries, as from bruises 77 (Lippe), "espec- 
ially when ecchymosed" (Hering) (65) and for "tendency to 
gangrene (82) after bruises, especially in old people" (Hering). 

In the stomach, vomiting is a prominent feature, vomiting of 
food and drink, and it is of value for the vomiting of drunkards 
(176). Nux vom. you will recall is useful for a man whose habits 
are not very steady, one who spends an occasional night with the 
boys and is full of remorse the next morning. Sulphuric acid, 
on the contrary, is for a man of steady, regular habits, regularly 
drunk, one who can retain nothing on his stomach except more 
liquor, which he not only craves but must have, at least for a time 
(9). It is a good remedy for a drunkard to help him to reform 
(15) and in a foot-note in Hering you will find recommended a 
mixture of one part Sulphuric acid and three parts alcohol, to be 
given in ten or fifteen drop doses three times a day for a couple 
of weeks. This is stronger than I should dare to give as a usual 
thing. It is to be followed by Sulphuric acid in potency. 

As a preventive for painter's or lead colic, Dr. J. H. Demarest 
advises a drop or two in a glass of water, in divided doses, daily. 



TABACUM. 761 

Sulphuric acid is valuable for the dyspepsia of non-drinkers, 
with vomiting of food and drink and craving for the relief from 
alcoholic stimulants. As the pathogenetic symptom reads, 
" coldness in stomach (178) from every drink unless some spirit 
is mixed with it." It has been used with success in the vomiting 
of pregnancy (153), with constant salivation (155) and great 
thirst, the vomiting relieved by drinking hot water. In this and 
other gastric conditions calling for the remedy, there is apt to be 
intolerance of the smell of coffee (5) and aggravation of the 
vomiting when lying on the 1. side. 

The liver and spleen are enlarged (173), with sharp pains in 
the latter when coughing. 

The diarrhoea of Sulphuric acid is fetid (59) and it is often 
indicated in the diarrhoea of sour-smelling children (60). The 
stools are of yellow mucus, like chopped or scrambled eggs (60), 
sometimes frothy (58) and there is said to be an aggravation 
from eating oysters. A pathogenetic symptom developed in a 
nursing infant whose mother had been taking from five to ten 
drops of the acid three times a day, reads: "The child's napkins 
when washed went into holes." 

Sulphuric acid is to be thought of in aphthous stomatitis (140), 
with salivation and great weakness, occurring during protracted 
diseases, especially in children suffering from marasmus (129). 

In diphtheria or croup it would be indicated in severe cases 
(62), with great quantities of exudation and regurgitation of 
liquids through the nose (183). 

I use Sulphuric acid in the tincture or 3rd. 

TABACUM. 

Havana Tobacco. 

(Tabacum, the origin of the word is not positively known, 
although various explanations are given.) 

The first proving of this drug that is recorded in the Encyclop. 
is by Nenning, one of Hahnemann's followers. 

Altogether 175 different provings are cited by Allen, young 
and old, male and female; from Dr. R., who is recorded as having 



762 MATERIA MEDICA. 

" smoked a cigar/' to John H., aet. 66 years, a heavy smoker; 
from a child aet. seven days, who was given two tablespoonfuls of 
water impregnated with tobacco smoke, with death in eight 
hours, to those who took sixty drops of the tincture. The records 
include smoking, of all kinds, chewing, snuffing, injections and 
decoctions and many local applications. 

Allen, in the Handbook, gives its general action as follows: 
"A powerful depressant, causing nausea and vomiting, feeble 
heart and pulse, low temperature, vertigo, delirium and collapse. 
It produces also violent gastro-enteritis. In some cases con- 
vulsions of spinal origin, as well as tetanic rigidity. It may cause 
long-continued spasms of arterioles, with persistent coldness of 
the surface. Its long-continued use favors degeneration of nerve 
tissue, as witnessed in atrophy of the optic nerve and general 
muscular paralysis. Palpitation is a frequent and persistent 
symptom." 

Some of the conditions where we can think of it as a remedy 
are: Headaches, neuralgic or gastric, associated with vertigo and 
nausea, better open air (92) or from cold (92). 

Seasickness (165) and nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (153), 
with deathly nausea, coldness (178) and goneness in the pit of 
the stomach (179) and cold sweat (185). 

Gastralgia, pain starting from the cardiac end of the stomach 
and extending into the 1. arm. Cholera infantum, icy-coldness 
of the extremities and collapse, the nausea and vomiting relieved 
by uncovering. 

Angina pectoris (107), with sensation of constriction of heart 
or upper part of chest, coldness and cold sweat (185), the pains 
radiate from the center of the sternum and run down the 1. arm. 

I have never used Tabacum as a remedy. 

TEREBINTHINA. 

Oil of Turpentine. 

"One part by weight of purified oil of turpentine is dissolved 
in ninety-nine parts by weight of alcohol" (Am. Horn. Phar.), 
making our strongest preparation the 1st. 



TEREBINTHINA. 763 

Terebinth, was first proved by Dr. Seidel, of Germany. 

Its most marked action is on the kidneys and the mucous 
membrane of the urinary tract, where it causes general irritation 
and profuse haemorrhages from the kidneys (85) as well as stran- 
gury, and in the great majority of cases where we prescribe it 
there will be some urinary symptoms to guide us in its selection. 

It also irritates the bronchial and intestinal mucous membrane, 
causing cough and haemoptysis (27), and loose and bloody 
evacuations from the bowels, with the second pronounced indi- 
cation for the remedy, marked tympanitis (13). Even the in- 
halation of the vapor of turpentine " produces nasal and bronchial 
irritation, frontal headache, and renal irritation, even bloody 
urine and strangury" (Bartholow). 

Terebinth, is to be thought of in r.-sided ciliary neuralgia (75) 
and in rheumatic iritis (74), with intense pain in the eye, asso- 
ciated with burning in the region of the kidneys and dark, scanty 
urine, as well as in amblyopia due to alcohol. 

It is of great value in abdominal dropsy (11), dependent 
especially upon inflammation of the kidneys, and in peritonitis, 
perhaps due to pelvic disorders, when complicated with bladder 
troubles and excessive tympanitis. 

In diarrhoea calling for Terebinth, we have three symptoms, 
which taken together mean only this remedy; they are, the ex- 
cessive tympanitis, the red, sore and shining tongue, which is 
characteristic, and the urinary indications which we will now 
speak of in detail. 

The urine is bloody and smoky, and there is strangury when 
voiding it (194), with burning in the region of the kidneys and 
pain extending down to the bladder. With these symptoms it 
is of great value in croupous nephritis (124), especially when it 
follows from any acute disease. It is also of frequent use in acute 
congestion of the kidneys, particularly from cold, associated with 
haemorrhage from the kidneys (85). 

(When you find inflammation of the kidneys, with bloody urine, 
dysuria and constant tenesmus, due to the inhalation of fumes 
of oil of turpentine, especially in women who faint for pastime, 
give Cantharis. One must keep in mind that pregnant women 



764 MATERIA MEDICA. 

should never be exposed to the fumes of turpentine owing to its 
effect on the kidneys.) 

Terebinth, is one of the remedies to be thought of when the 
urine smells as of violets (200). 

In acute cystitis calling for the remedy we would have burning 
pain in the region of the kidneys, dysuria and tenesmus. 

Terebinth, is to be thought of where haemoptysis (27) relieves 
the congestion of the lungs, and in broncho-pneumonia (151), 
with scanty, bloody urine. 

It has been found useful in bed-sores (21) in paralytics and 
for purpura hemorrhagica (158), with great weakness. 

In typhoid fever it will prove of value in haemorrhage from 
the bowels (193), associated with bloody urine, excessive tym- 
panitis and dry, glossy tongue. 

I use Terebinth. 30th. 

THLASPI BURSA-PASTORIS. 

Shepherd's Purse. 

{Thlaspi, a kind of cress; bursa, a purse.) 

Thlaspi will be found under this heading in most of our materia 
medicas, but is called Bursa-pastoris by Millspaugh, who says: 
"I use the specific name, which should always distinguish this 
plant in medicine, to avoid confusion in synonyms. This plant 
was formerly classed with the genus Thlaspi, from which it was 
removed on account of its wingless valves." 

This weed, which has never had a thorough proving, has, in 
consequence of our lack of knowledge concerning it, been praised 
and condemned in haemorrhages. We can think of it for profuse 
passive haemorrhages from all parts of the body, the blood being 
dark and clotted. This will include as prominent conditions, 
epistaxis (142), haematuria (85), especially from gravel (123), 
and haemorrhage from the uterus, either due to menstruation or 
after confinement (152). 

The menstrual flow is too profuse, dark and clotted (136) and 
may be fetid (137), and is preceded and followed by leucorrhcea 
(136). 

I have used Thlaspi only in the tincture. 



THUJA. 765 

THUJA. 

Thuja Occidentalis — American or Common Arbor Yitm. 

(Thuja — 6vui, thuia, from 6v6<s, thuos, incense.) 

This native tree was imported into France from Canada in the 
sixteenth century, but little attention was paid to it, therapeutic- 
ally, until Hahnemann proved it, for he says, "no serious medici- 
nal employment has been made in Europe before now of this 
plant" (Mat. Med. Pura). 

Thuja has also received a thorough reproving by the Austrian 
Society (1846) the results being entirely confirmatory of Hahne- 
mann's. 

Hahnemann, under Thuja, speaks of the higher dilutions and 
referring to Thuja 30th or 60th says: "The discovery that crude 
medicinal substances (dry and fluid) unfold their medicinal power 
more and more by trituration or succussion with non-medicinal 
things, and in greater extent the further, the longer, and the 
stronger this trituration or succussion is carried on, so that all 
their material substances seem gradually to be dissolved and 
resolved into pure medicinal spirit: this discovery, unheard of 
till made by me, is of unspeakable value, and so undeniable, that 
the sceptics, who from ignorance of the inexhaustible resources 
of nature in the homoeopathic dilutions, see nothing but me- 
chanical division and diminution until nothing remains (there- 
fore annihilation of their medicinal power), must see their error 
as soon as they appeal to experiment' ' (Mat. Med. Pura). 

In other words, if you wish to condemn the value of the higher 
potencies, be sure and do so before you have used them. 

Next to potency, the subject of the number of times each 
dilution should be sue cussed used to prove a fruitful source for 
heated discussions. Hahnemann, under Thuja, gives us two 
views of the matter, for while he says, "ten times and oftener," 
he adds for a certain number of people: "In order to obtain real 
preparations of sufficiently developed, but at the same time 
suitably moderated, power for even the more and most sensitive 
patients by the dilutions of medicinal substances for homoeo- 
pathic use, for some time back I have adopted the plan in the case 



766 MATERIA MEDICA. 

of all fluid medicines of succussing each diluting phial with only 
two strokes of the arm." 

Twelve years later (1838) we find in the preface to the fifth 
volume of Chronic Diseases, the following paragraph, which I ' 
will quote in full: 

"We frequently read in homoeopathic books that, in the case 
of one or another person in a certain case of disease, some high 
(dilution) dynamization of a medicine was of no use at all, but 
a lower potency proved effectual, while others have seen more 
success from higher potencies. But no one in such cases investi- 
gates the cause of the great difference of these effects. What 
prevents the preparer of the medicines (and this ought to be the 
homoeopathic physician himself; he himself ought to forge and 
whet the arms with which to fight the diseases) — what prevents 
him, in preparing a potency, from giving 10, 20, 50 and more 
succussive strokes against a somewhat hard, elastic body to every 
vial containing one drop of the lower potency with 99 drops of 
alcohol, so as to obtain strong potencies? This would be vastly 
more effective than giving only a few nerveless succussive strokes, 
which will produce little more than dilutions, which ought not to 
be the case." 

This last I like in both aspects; first, that each physician 
should prepare his own medicines, at least his liquid potencies, 
for it is not only a perfectly practical thing for him to do, but 
also a source of great satisfaction to know that the potency that 
he is using is just what it pretends to be; and second, that the 
more each potency is succussed the more efficient it becomes. 

The only explanation that I can accept as to the remedial 
action of a higher potency, is not the idea of mere dilution, but 
that by repeated succussion or trituration there has been effected 
a more complete breaking up of the drug particles, resulting in a 
dynamization or increase of efficiency, not strength, as the 
meaning of the latter word is apt to be misunderstood. 

A thing that we should always keep in mind is that all drugs 
or poisons do not affect all people with the same degree of intens- 
ity. This has been frequently shown in conducting a proving, 
and all physicians are aware of the increased or lessened sus- 



THUJA. 767 

ceptibility of certain persons to medicines. So let us remember 
that while, as a usual thing, we give a remedy in a certain potency, 
we will meet with patients on whom that same potency will prove 
harmful or inert, and be ready to change our potency to what 
the individual organism may require. 

The main action of Thuja is on the genito-urinary organs and 
on the skin. It produces symptoms closely allied to the sequelse 
of gonorrhoea, and in some degree, to those of syphilis. 

It is one of the remedies to think of where you suspect a pre- 
existing venereal disease as being at the foundation of the trouble 
that the patient complains of. When the in-born modesty of 
the physician will prevent his asking the direct question, or the 
inherited perversity of the patient will cause him to lie if you 
question him. It is well to keep in mind that while most people 
will acknowledge to gonorrhoea, if they have had it, the great 
majority will deny syphilis, even to their physician, no matter 
how plainly it may show itself. 

There is sadness and loathing of life, in Thuja, and as Talcott 
says, "it is called for in mental depression and apathy, with de- 
sire to be left alone (9), when this frame of mind follows direct 
and personal knowledge that the way of the transgressor is hard." 
There are fixed ideas in which unworthiness to live occupies a 
prominent place and great emotional sensitiveness and weeping, 
or as frequently found, with ill humor. 

We have melancholia in which he is possessed with the belief 
that he is made of some brittle substance, as of glass, and will 
not allow people to approach for fear he will be broken, or there 
may be an idea of a living animal in the abdomen (11), as if a 
child's arm pushed against the walls, or there is a sudden bound- 
ing as of something alive in the r. iliac region. 

It may be that he thinks he is "under the influence of a super- 
ior power" (Hering), that his soul is separated from his body 
(54), or that strange people are standing by his chair or bed 
(53). 

Thuja has vertigo on closing the eyes, with relief on opening 
them (207). 

The headaches of Thuja may have a nervous or syphilitic origin 



768 MATERIA MEDICA. 

(102) and are often associated with soreness of the scalp (91) 
so that the patient " cannot rest head on the pillow" (Hering). 
The pains are worse at night and a characteristic sensation, which 
may be constant or transitory, is as if a nail or wedge were being 
driven into the head (106) by way of the temples or vertex, and 
relieved momentarily by touch or "by rubbing" (Hering). 

The pains in the head frequently extend to the face (100) and 
malar bone (80), with stabbing, unendurable pains and great 
soreness of the parts to touch or when moving the muscles as 
when chewing. We may have these headaches or toothache as 
the result of tea-drinking (7). 

Thuja is of value in ciliary neuralgia (75), the pains extending 
over the head and face, with great soreness, cannot he on the face 
nor chew; for syphilitic iritis (74), with gummata on the iris, 
and severe pains worse at night; also for warts (208) or other 
tumors of the lids. 

It is useful for polypi of the ear (65), especially when they 
bleed easily from slight manipulation, and for otorrhoea, the 
discharge watery or purulent and smelling like putrid meat (63). 

It is to be thought of in nasal catarrh, with dried mucus and 
scabs (143), or with quantities of thick, green mucus, pus and 
blood that seem to come from the frontal sinuses. It is also of 
value for warts on the nose (208). 

The teeth under Thuja are extremely sensitive to cold water 
(187) and it is a remedy of value for toothache in decayed teeth 
(186), especially when the teeth decay next to the gums leaving 
the crown sound, with retraction of the gums (84). 

It is useful in aphthous stomatitis (140), the mouth filled with 
painful and burning blisters. 

There are warts (208) or condylomata about the anus, often 
associated with fissures (159), and especially with moisture around 
the anus, or excessive perspiration on the perineum. 

Thuja is a very useful remedy for the bad effects of vaccination 
(205) or when it causes diarrhoea. 

In the diarrhoea calhng for Thuja, the stools are copious, pale, 
greasy and forcible, expelled with a gurgling at the anus, like 
water from a bung-hole (59). They are usually painless, worse 



THUJA. 769 

after breakfast or in the morning, "always at the same hour" 
(Lippe) and worse " after coffee" (Hering) (57), and it is to be 
thought of for chronic diarrhoea (58) recurring regularly every 
morning after breakfast. 

The urine is high-colored and strong-smelling, with weak ex- 
pulsive power in the bladder and frequent interruptions of the 
stream (199), or a sensation as if a few drops of urine ran down 
the urethra, after micturition, a dribbling from the urethra (198) 
not from the bladder. 

In an old gonorrhoea it is to be thought of when associated 
with inflammation of the prostate (155), which prostatic involve- 
ment may be the cause of the chronicity. It is of great value for 
repressed gonorrhoea, with inflamed prostate or with rheumatism 
(161). 

Thuja is of value for chancroidal ulcers and condylomata on 
the genitals of both sexes (34). 

The 1. ovary is especially affected (147), either as an acute 
inflammation (148) worse during menstruation and Lilienthal 
says "all symptoms" under Thuja are "worse during menses," 
or as a chronic inflammation following gonorrhoea. 

Lippe speaks of the menstruation of this remedy being preceded 
by profuse perspiration. 

Thuja is useful for uterine polypi (202), bleeding easily (202) 
and with severe pain, and for prolapsus of the uterus (203), worse 
when driving, and accompanied by great pain in the back. It is 
of value, as a palliative at least, for epithelioma of the vagina and 
and uterus (202), for cauliflower excrescences on the cervix (202), 
and for warts about the vulva, with extreme sensitiveness of the 
vagina, especially on coition (205). 

Thuja is of value for polypi of the vocal cords (it is the only 
one so spoken of in the Handbook), and it is to be thought of 
for cough coming on immediately after eating (41). 

It has been used for lupus (128) and for varicose ulcers (205) 
but it is of especial value for fungoid excrescences on various 
parts of the body, for warts (208) and condylomata (34) that 
come in crops, are fissured and bleed easily (208). Hering speaks 
of Thuja in this connection as follows: "A surplus of producing 



770 MATERIA MEDICA. 

life; nearly unlimited proliferation of pathological vegetations, 
condylomata, warty sycotic excrescences, spongy tumors; ex- 
udates organize hastily; all morbid manifestations are excessive, 
but appear quietly, so beginning of diseased state is scarcely 
known." 

Hughes says that Hahnemann recommended that "in old cases 
the larger excrescences be touched once a day with the tincture,", 
provided of course that Thuja is the internal remedy. 

Boenninghausen advised the use of Thuja in small-pox, giving 
it as soon as the vesicles filled and changed to pustules ; he claimed 
that it caused rapid dessication and prevented scarring. 

Thuja is a remedy that need not be repeated too frequently. 
Hahnemann tells us that "the duration of the action of even 
the smallest doses is nearly three weeks" (Mat. Med. Pura). 

I use Thuja 30th. 

TRILLIUM. 

Beth-root — Birth-root. 

(Trillium — trilix, triple, the parts of the plant being in threes.) 

This little herb has a single flower, usually with three outer 
green segments and three inner colored segments, each stem sur- 
rounded by three broad green leaves. 

It has not been proved and is not to be found in Allen's En- 
cyclop., but in his handbook he speaks of it as Trillium pendulum, 
Ait. Millspaugh takes exception to this name, and says: "On 
account of its wide range, prolific growth, acridity and evident 
strength, I deem Trillium erectum, Linn., the common purple 
Trillium, the proper species for homoeopathic use. In this I am 
upheld by Dr. T. F. Allen and others of our most thorough botan- 
ically educated physicians. I am assured also that our most im- 
portant pharmacies in the East use this species, under the label 
T. pendulum; one pharmacy only using T. pendulum, Ait." 

Trillium is of value for a hemorrhagic diathesis, with especial 
reference to women who are subject to too frequent and too pro- 
fuse menstruation (135), and the blood, whether from the nose 
(142), kidneys (85), rectum or uterus is generally dark and 



URANIUM NITRICUM. 771 

clotted, although Hering speaks of it to the contrary, as "usually 
bright-red." 

It is of value in uterine haemorrhage, passive, or in gushes 
(137) on the least movement (134), with a sensation as though the 
hips and back were falling to pieces and relief from tight band- 
ages; for threatened abortion (13) and post-partum haemorrhage; 
and for haemorrhages due to fibroid tumors (202). 

I use Trillium 6th. 

URANIUM NITRICUM. 

Uranium Nitrate. 

Uranium nit. was first proved by Dr. Blake, of England, in 
1871. 

The attention of homoeopaths "was first called to it as a medi- 
cine by a statement in the British and Foreign Medico-Chirurgical 
Review for 1851, that 'Laconte always found sugar in the urine 
of dogs poisoned by small doses of nitrate of uranium'" (Hughes). 

Uranium nit. presents for us two special points of interest; 
one in reference to the stomach, the other in reference to glyco- 
suria. 

In the stomach we have dyspeptic symptoms, with "intermit- 
tent attacks of pain" (Hering); there is vomiting of food, with 
agonizing burning pain in the stomach (178) and soreness, appar- 
ently from an ulcer; and numerous cases of ulcer of the stomach 
(181) have been cured with Uranium nit. 

There is in Uranium nit. enormous appetite and excessive thirst 
but in spite of it the patient grows emaciated; along with this 
there is a greatly increased flow of urine and perhaps tympanitis 
(13). This is the state of affairs where you would expect to find 
sugar in the urine and with the above symptoms many cases 
of diabetes mellitus have been reported as cured by this remedy 
(56). Hughes considers it as best suited "to those cases of 
diabetes originating in dyspepsia or assimilative derangement." 

I use Uranium nit. 3rd. 



50 



772 MATERIA MEDICA. 

URTICA URENS. 
Common or Stinging Xettle. 

{Urtica, a nettle, from urere. burn; Urens, from urere, burn, 
caustic.) 

The most ancient use of the nettle,, the stinging properties of the 
hairs being due, at least in part, to formic acid found there, was 
for flaggellation or whipping of paralyzed linibs. "This practice 
extended also to a stimulation of impotent organs, and to bring 
into action dormant energies'' (Millspaugh). 

Urtica wrens was first proved for us by Dr. J. R. Coxe, Jr., of 
this country, who took from 12 to 20 drops of the lx at a dose. 

In a case of poisoning from drinking two cupfuls of a hot in- 
fusion of two ounces of the herb, a woman, who had had no chil- 
dren for over three years and had never nursed any of the twelve 
that she had given birth to, had at first excessive swelling of the 
breasts, which then discharged serum and afterwards perfect 
milk. 

We use Urtica urens, with success, for insufficiency or entire 
absence of milk after confinement (146). 

A return of the symptoms at the same time every year is said 
to be a prominent indication for this remedy and it is of great 
value in urticaria (201) and pruritus (156) that is either periodic 
or annual in its recurrence, or when due to eating shell-fish or 
"food for which there exists an individual idiosyncrasy" (Dear- 
born). 

I use Urtica urens in the tincture. 

USTILAGO. 
Corn Ergot — Corn Smut — Ustilago Maidis. 

(Ustilago, urere. burn.) 

Ustilago, a fungus on Indian corn, was first proved by Dr. 
W. H. Burt, in 1868, and later by Dr. T. S. Hoyne, of Chicago, 
and some students of the Hahnemann Medical College in that 
city, for the American Institute Transactions, 1872, but in 



USTILAGO. 773 

neither of them were symptoms obtained from healthy female 
provers. 

Ustilago is a remedy that is seldom used, probably because our 
clinical reports are so scanty; its effect on the skin, for instance, 
is pronounced but we know little of its cure. 

We find in its pathogenesis the symptom, " languor and faint 
feeling at 11 a. m. in a warm lecture room." This, which seems 
such a promising statement, is too indefinite for you to make 
immediate use of, for it does not state the subject of the lecture, 
nor whether the languor was towards the end of a four-years* 
course in Materia Medica, and, therefore, purely physiological. 

Ustilago, says Minton, "very much resembles Secate c. in its 
general physiological action; both control uterine haemorrhage 
and promote uterine contraction" and as we use it at present, 
there is some uterine condition and especially haemorrhage as 
the leading indication. 

It is a remedy that is especially suited to the climacteric period 
and is said to act best on tall, slim women, with clear, white skin; 
more or less "consumptive persons" (Hering). 

The menses are, or have been, habitually too early and too 
profuse (135) and followed, perhaps, by (136) brownish and 
offensive leucorrhcea (126). 

In uterine haemorrhage, and especially in menorrhagia at the 
climacteric (135), the blood may be either bright red and watery 
or partly clotted (136), the uterus seemingly soft and spongy 
and suffering from passive congestion. In chronic uterine haem- 
orrhage calling for this remedy, we have a persistent oozing of 
dark blood (136), with black clots (136). 

With these haemorrhages there is soreness in the uterine and 
1. ovarian regions, and bearing down pains, the pains often shoot- 
ing down the thighs to the knees. 

It is to be thought of for l.-sided ovarian neuralgia (147) and 
for pain in the 1. mammary region, especially during the inter- 
menstrual periods (23). 



774 MATERIA MEDICA. 

UVA-URSI. 

Bearberry. 

(Uva, a grape; ursus, a bear.) 

Uva-ursi is an ancient astringent and haemostatic and Hahne- 
mann's contribution to the proving seems to consist of the words, 
"involuntary discharge of urine." 

Our principal use of this remedy is in cystitis, with the follow- 
ing symptoms as found in the Handbook; "Frequent urging, 
with severe spasm of the bladder, burning (194) and tearing pain; 
urine contains blood and tough mucus (199), which can be rolled 
out of the vessel in large masses." 

Uva-ursi is used as an excitant in prolonged labors due to 
atony of the uterus and for uterine haemorrhage, it causing con- 
tractions that are more prolonged and less painful than those 
resulting from Ergot. 

VALERIANA. 

Great Wild Valeriax. 

(Valerian-valere, to be strong.) 

The common or officinal Valerian, the root of which we use 
for our tincture, is native of Europe and Asiatic Russia. 

It was first proved by Hahnemann, but he did not do much 
with it, not including it in his Mat. Med. Pura, and it remained 
for his followers to make a more thorough proving. 

While both schools of medicine use Valerian in nervous hys- 
terical conditions, Oliver Wendell Holmes speaking of it as a 
"calmer of hysterical squirms," it is, says Hughes, "perfectly 
homoeopathic to those conditions of nervous erethism for which 
it has so long been in repute." He also says that " Valerian ap- 
pears to exert a direct influence on the nervous centres, of the 
same kind as, but more enduring than, that of Ambra g., Asaf., 
Mosch." 

Hering gives the type of the Valerian patient as the "nervous, 
irritable, hysterical subjects, in whom the intellectual faculties 
predominate, and who suffers from hysterical neuralgia." 



VALERIANA. 775 

All authorities agree that it is very similar in many of its 
manifestations to Puis., by which it it antidoted, but it has less 
tears and more anger. 

She begins by being nervous and apprehensive as night comes 
on. She is ashamed of her condition and tries to reason with 
herself as to the absurdity of it, but without success, and it is a 
very valuable remedy in hysteria that is worse as evening comes 
on and up to midnight. Hallucinations are common; she " feels 
as if floating in the air" (Hering); sees things that are not there 
and must have pillows or ornaments removed; she is very rest- 
less (160) and excitable, has great dread of being left alone (80) 
and great and uncontrollable fear of the dark (80). 

It is of value in globus hystericus (119), with sensation of some- 
thing warm rising from the stomach into the throat. 

The headaches for which we prescribe Valerian are nervous or 
neuralgic in character, and are accompanied by faintness. 

The pains appear suddenly, or in jerks, in different parts of 
the head, and if they involve the eye, they are as darting pains 
from within outward. 

A characteristic sensation under Valerian is as if a thread 
were hanging in the throat and down the oesophagus (190) and 
the efforts to dislodge it causes nausea or salivation. This sen- 
sation may be found in hysterical headache or in trismus. 

It is useful in hysterical colic or gastralgia, worse in the even- 
ing or at night, with great tympanitis (13) and putrid eructa- 
tions. 

In the chest, if there are any pains or sensations, they have a 
general direction from within outward; for instance, sudden 
stitches from within outward, or pressure outward in chest. 

In the extremities, and especially in the lower extremities, 
we have neuralgic pains, all with the peculiarity that they are 
worse when sitting and better when walking (10). 

I use Valerian in the tincture. 



776 MATERIA MEDICA. 

VERATRUM ALBUM. 

European or White Hellebore. 

(Veratrum, hellebore; hellebore, origin unknown; Millspaugh 
giving it as from eAeiv, helein, in injure + pupa, bora, food.) 

The two veratrums which we will study now, are the Veratrum 
album, the European hellebore, and the Veratrum viride, the 
American hellebore, the former having white flowers and the latter 
green. 

While Verat. alb. was first proved for our school by Hahnemann, 
it was used as a medicine by the ancients and you will find 
mention in Dunham's Lectures that Hippocrates (who lived 350 
B. C.) used this remedy in a case resembling Asiatic cholera, the 
symptoms being those on which a homoeopath would prescribe 
the same remedy; which would lead one to imagine that he had 
investigated the law of Similar Similibus Curentur to a greater 
extent than is generally supposed. 

As we have already remarked, it will be well for us to remem- 
ber that the statement made by the old school that Hahnemann 
was not the first to suggest the idea that likes should be treated 
by likes, is true, and that their charge that Hahnemann pre- 
tended to be the originator of it is false; but it was left to him 
not only to re-assert its value, but by the physiological proving 
of drugs on the healthy human being, with infinitesimal doses, to 
institute the labor required in its practical adaptation to the 
cure of disease. 

Verat. alb. produces a condition that we will find running 
through its whole pathogenesis, of profound prostration, weak 
heart and cold skin, with cold sweat and collapse (34). There 
are most violent vomiting and purging, with terrible colic, and at 
times cramps. There are muscular spasms, with rigid contraction 
of muscles. We find violent tonic spasms, with the palms and 
soles drawn inward, or a tetanic rigidity of the muscles, face 
drawn and pinched, with tendency to cramps, especially in the 
calves (52). 

It is a remedy frequently called for in a state of collapse (34), 
with cold sweat (185). The sweat is cold and clammy, and it is 



VERATRUM ALBUM. 777 

characteristic that almost every important symptom of the 
remedy is associated with cold sweat, especially on the forehead. 

Mentally we can think of Verat. alb. in delirium, with rage and 
swearing (184), tearing of the clothes and attempts to escape. 
Sometimes with hallucinations of having committed a crime, 
of physical diseases or "of being pregnant" (Talcott). We may 
have a sexual mania (146) combined with religious sentiments, 
or curses alternating with prayers. It is useful in melancholia 
after great disappointments or from religious excitement (131), 
with wailing and weeping and desire to be alone (132); they can 
see no way out of their troubles and gloom surrounds them. In 
all these various mental conditions their vital heat is lowered 
and they are in a state, both mentally and physically, bordering 
on collapse. 

We have attacks of faintness, upon the least exertion, or per- 
sistent vertigo, with cold sweat on the forehead (185) and great 
weakness. 

The headaches are neuralgic and " generally attended with pain 
in the stomach" (Dunham) and with vomiting. They affect the 
vertex, in particular, and are characterized either by a sensation 
of coldness, as though a lump of ice rested on the vertex (90), 
or there is a sensation of pressure on the vertex (103), worse on 
moving the head, and better by pressing on the vertex with the 
hand (103). 

In the eye Verat. alb. may prove of use in a condition of night- 
blindness (76) preceding menstruation. 

The face is pale and sunken, with the predominating cold 
sweat (185), and found especially in facial neuralgia, or in condi- 
tions affecting the stomach, abdomen, chest and heart. 

If there is toothache, the pain is severe and pulsating and the 
teeth feel heavy as if filled with lead. 

The tongue and breath are cold (24) and in the mouth there 
is a feeling of coldness, as if from peppermint, and usually saliva- 
tion (163). There is an aversion to warm drinks, a thirst for 
cold water and a craving for fruit, acids (9) and juicy things. 

In the stomach there is sensitiveness to touch and a sensation 
of burning (178). The stomach is very irritable and a prominent 



778 MATERIA MEDICA. 

symptom for the remedy is retching and violent rejection of every- 
thing taken into the stomach. The vomited matter is profuse, 
may be of blood (208), and is always attended by great prostra- 
tion, faintness and cold sweat (185). 

Allen tells us that Verat. alb. has been used for the dyspepsia 
from chewing tobacco, without either vomiting or diarrhoea. 

The diarrhoea is very profuse, watery (rice water), sometimes 
blackish. It is accompanied by the most terrible attacks of 
colic and followed by a feeling of great emptiness (58) and 
weakness in the stomach and abdomen, feeble pulse, faintness 
and cold sweat. The diarrhoea is worse at night, from drinking 
(57) and from fruit (57). Thirst for cold water or for acid 
drinks is associated with the diarrhoea, and with the movement 
we have violent retching and vomiting. It is a valuable remedy 
in cholera morbus and in true cholera (31). 

Dunham, in speaking of the action of Verat. alb., says: "The 
blood tends to separate into its proximate constituents, as it 
would if suddenly withdrawn from the body; the liquid constitu- 
ents seem to filtrate in a half mechanical manner through the 
tissues, and thus we have a copious, cold, clammy sweat; copious 
serous vomitings and diarrhoeas ; evacuations that are astounding 
from their quantity and from the mechanical manner of their 
ejection; the stomach seeming to become completely filled, and 
to be emptied by a sudden convulsive effort, provoked by its 
complete distention." 

Verat. alb. is also to be thought of in constipation, the stools 
large, hard (35) and black (35). 

It is to be thought of in puerperal mania (129) and in dysmen- 
orrhoea, with great sexual excitement (146) preceding the menses. 
In these conditions, as well as in suppression of the menses (135), 
cold sweat, with vomiting and purging, would be additional and 
characteristic indications calling for the remedy. 

The cough is loose and rattling (45) but the patient is too 
weak and prostrated to expectorate the mucus (70) and breaks 
into a cold sweat after coughing (185). We have violent fits or 
shocks of coughing, which may be followed by eructations of gas 
(50). The cough seems to start from the abdomen (44), which 



VERATRUM VTRIDE. 779 

has to be held when coughing (49). The cough is worse in a 
warm room (41), or on coming from the cold air into a warm room 
(41); it is also worse from eating (41), drinking (41), including 
cold drinks, and from crying (41). 

It is a very useful remedy in the bronchitis of old people (47), 
with prostration and inability to expectorate the large amounts 
of mucus in the chest. In whooping cough (48) the paroxysms 
may be accompanied by involuntary micturition (52), or with 
vomiting and diarrhoea (61), and they are always followed by 
great exhaustion and cold sweat. 

The heart and pulse are weak in Verat. alb., and any exertion 
brings on irregular action of the heart and thready pulse; the 
face may be flushed while lying, but on rising up suddenly, it 
becomes very pale, they feel faint and break out into a cold 
sweat (185). 

It is occasionally of use in rheumatism, characterized by pains 
which are like electric jerks, worse from the heat of the bed (160) 
and better from walking about (10). 

It is of value in congestive chills (31), which commence with 
coldness in the abdomen, and are associated with cold breath 
and sweat, vomiting, diarrhoea and threatening collapse. In 
many of the conditions calling for the remedy, especially when 
coldness or collapse are pronounced symptoms, we have cramps 
in the extremities, especially in the calves (52). 

Dunham speaks of Verat. alb. in intermittent fever where the 
"cold stage always predominates (121) and often overshadows, 
or extinguishes the hot stage." and is accompanied by blueness of 
the finger-nails (121). "The sweat is cold and clammy; it comes 
even before the paroxysm begins and lasts until the next." 

I use Verat. alb. 1st. 

VERATRUM VIRIDE. 

American or False Hellebore. 

To Dr. E. M. Hale, of Chicago, is due a great deal of our knowl- 
edge concerning this remedy. He first suggested to Dr. Burt 
that a proving should be made and, he continues, "in 1864 Dr. 



780 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Burt made an experiment with massive doses. It is one of the 
most heroic provings in our literature. Had we extended prov- 
ings of the drug, made with the attenuations, our knowledge of 
its remedial powers would be greatly increased." 

This latter statement of Dr. Hale's is a significant one, for no 
matter how much we may differ in our theories as regards the 
value of potencies, it is a fact, concerning which there can be no 
question, that many of our finer symptoms and those of the 
greatest value to us, are brought out only by provings made with 
minute quantities of the drug, rather than by the use of massive 
doses. 

" Although Verat. v. is very much like the album of Europe 
in its minor points, our species is strikingly different in general 
appearance" (Millspaugh). 

" Chemists tell us that the two, the album and the viride, pos- 
sess similar constituent principles; but we as homoeopaths know 
from our provings that there are wide differences between the two 
drugs and that they are used in almost diverse conditions. "We 
never use Verat. a. for fever, and rarely, if ever, the viride for 
choleraic symptoms or collapse" (Hale). 

Verat. vir. is a powerful respiratory poison, paralyzing the 
spinal cord and the reflex-motor nerve-centers and causes intense 
hyperaemia and congestion. "It paralyzes the cardiac ganglia 
and the heart muscle, so that the heart after death is relaxed and 
full of coagulated blood, it acting on the heart in a manner the 
reverse of Digit." (Hale). 

Hyperemia or congestion is our key-note in the use of Verat. 
vir. 

Mentally we find either a furious delirium, with screaming, 
howling and striking at those about her, or "she grows sullen, 
suspicious and distrustful; she thinks that she will be poisoned 
(53) or that she will become insane" (Talcott) (131) and it is 
of value in puerperal mania (129). We also have delirium, with 
constant muttering (55), dilated pupils (76) and congested 
face (207). 

In all conditions involving the brain we find a state of cerebral 
hyperaemia, and it is of value for the effects of sun-stroke (98), 



VERATRUM VIRIDE. 781 

for apoplexy (18), convulsions, cerebro-spinal meningitis (133), 
hystero-epilepsy (120), etc., characterized by great cerebral con- 
gestion and besotted face. 

It has been used with success for the effects of opium poison- 
ing. 

The headaches of Verat. vir. are severe, with congestion of 
blood to the head and throbbing (102), stupefaction and vertigo, 
double vision (77), nausea and vomiting. 

Verat. vir. is useful in acute inflammation of the middle ear 
(63), with great congestion, and in erysipelatous inflammation 
(68) of the ear, eyeballs or whole head, especially when due to 
trauma. 

The tongue is dry, feels scalded (140), and has a red stripe 
through the center (192), and this when associated with a bloated, 
livid face, is a characteristic indication for the remedy. 

An important use for Verat. vir. is in pneumonia in the early 
stage (150) before hepatization has taken place; when we have 
intense pulmonary congestion, great arterial excitement and high 
fever. There would be great difficulty in breathing, hard, full 
pulse, throbbing headache and livid face. 

It is useful in all forms of inflammation, including rheumatism, 
endocarditis and pericarditis, cellulitis and peritonitis, with high 
fever and symptoms of intense congestion. 

Another important use for the remedy is on the sexual organs 
of women. It is of value in pelvic congestions, and for dysmen- 
orrhea and suppression of the menses (134), especially in ple- 
thoric women, with great suffering, congested face and head 
and may be convulsions (36). 

It is to be thought of in rigid os during labor (154), with full 
bounding pulse and headache. In puerperal fever (155) and 
puerperal convulsions (155) it is of great value, the congested 
head and livid face being our prominent guides in its selection. 

I use Verat. vir. in the tincture. 



782 MATERIA MEDICA. 

VERBASGUM. 

Verbasctjm Thapsus — Mullen. 

(Verbascum, " altered from Barbascum, the old Latin name, 
signifying the bearded pubescence" (Millspaugh) or Mullen. 
Mullen — see dictionary for various explanations. Thapsus — in 
ancient geography a coast town in northern Africa, of which the 
common mullen is a native.) 

Verbascum, an ancient medicinal plant, was first proved by 
Hahnemann. 

Pain is the prominent feature in this remedy, with a sensation 
as if the parts affected were being pinched together with pincers, 
squeezed between screws or crushed by tongs. 

Millspaugh thinks that this sensation is due to the Malic acid 
contained in the plant. 

Verbascum is to be thought of in periodical headache, with pain 
as if the temples were being compressed (106), supraorbital and 
infraorbital neuralgias, with pressure, and facial neuralgia, be- 
ginning in or involving the malar-bone (80) and articulation of 
the jaw, with aggravation from change of temperature or cold 
air (79), pressure (79) or any motion of the muscles of the face, 
with sensation as if the malar-bone were being crushed (79). 

In the ear there is deafness as if the ear were closed or as if 
something had filled the canal and Hering speaks of its use for 
deafness due to getting water in the ears. 

Mullen oil is useful, locally, in earache (63) but other things 
work fully as well and are less expensive. 

Verbascum is to be thought of in nocturnal enuresis (198), with 
constant dribbling of urine. 

I have used Verbascum in the tincture. 

VIBURNUM OPULUS. 

Cranberry Tree — High Cranberry — White Dogwood — 

Snowball. 

The name Viburnum, the wayfaring tree, was given to this 
species of plants by Gerard, an English botanist, in reference to 
its abundance along the roadsides. 



VIBURNUM OPULUS. 783 

Of the two Virburnums which we use, the Opulus and the Pruni- 
folium, the former is widely diffused throughout the north, in this 
country and Europe. 

While Hering says that the first provings were made by Dr. 
H. C. Allen and eleven others, male and female, and published 
in 1881, Dr. E. M. Hale used it before this time, and says: "The 
use of Viburnum opulus in the treatment of dysmenorrhoea did 
not originate in the practice of any physician. It is a tradition 
in this country that the aborigines so used it among themselves, 
and that the secret of its use was handed down to the white 
people. Anyway, it has been in successful use here for more 
than a century as a domestic remedy in many painful affections 
of women." 

We can bear in mind that Viburn. op. contains Valerianic acid. 

The great and especial use for Viburn. op. is for uterine pains. 
"The physician who finds a remedy for any painful disorder is a 
public benefactor. The physician who shall find a remedy for 
painful menstruation will have the blessing of thousands of 
suffering women" (Hale). 

The particular sphere of Viburn. op. seems to be not only for 
membranous dysmenorrhoea (138) but also for neuralgic (139) 
and spasmodic dysmenorrhoea, with sudden and excruciating 
colicky pains through the uterus and lower part of the abdomen, 
preceding the flow. The especial thought that I have of the rem- 
edy is a sensation as though the uterus were congested and full 
of blood and if the flow would only start there would be relief. 
The uterine pains are violent and cramplike, and sometimes ex- 
tend down the thighs (139). 

Another symptom of the remedy is cramps in the calves (52), 
between the menses, worse just before the period, and with 
scanty and delayed menstruation (136) and dysmenorrhoea. 

Hering gives: "Cramps in abdomen and legs of pregnant 
women." Hale speaks of its usefulness for the "severe false 
pains (153) preceding normal labor" and it is of value for after- 
pains (153). 

I use Viburn op. in the tincture. 



784 MATERIA MEDICA. 

VINCA. 

The Lesser Periwinkle. 

Vinca minor, a creeping evergreen, was first proved for us by 
Dr. Rosenburg, of Germany, who reported the effects on four 
people who took from 20 to 60 drops of the tincture. 

Vinca has long been used with success, for eczema of the 
scalp of infants, with matting of the hair (88), moist, offensive 
odor and frequently with vermin. There is a good deal of itch- 
ing, which is especially worse at night. 

Passive hyperemia of the surface tissues of the head and face 
is noticed and a symptom that should be of value is that the tip 
of the nose becomes red (145) from the slightest cause, or on be- 
coming angry. 

The menstrual flow is excessive in Vinca, especially at or fol- 
lowing the climacteric (33), with a passive or continuous flow 
(138). It is also to be thought of in haemorrhages from fibroid 
tumors (202). 

I have used Vinca 1st. 

VIOLA TRICOLOR. 

Pansy — Heart's-ease. 

(Viola, violet. Tricolor — in its wild state, the heart's-ease 
combines purple, yellow and blue.) 

Viola, tri., which had Hahnemann among its first provers, 
seems to act almost entirely upon the skin and urinary organs, 
the effect, perhaps, of the salicylic acid which it contains. 

Its action "on the skin/' says Dearborn, "is like that of Vinca, 
deranging the secretions and inflaming the tissues of the scalp 
and face. The eruption is acute in type and course, usually re- 
sulting in sero-purulent exudations which dry into gum-like 
crusts, crack and give exit to a tenacious, yellowing fluid. When 
the scalp is affected the secretion glues the hair together in a, 
solid mass." 

It is of great value in eczema of the scalp and crusta lactea, 
with matting of the hair (88), Hughes saying: "For myself, I 



XANTHOXYLUM. 785 

have rarely needed any other medicine for this plague of chil- 
dren." 

The most pronounced symptom connected with the urinary 
organs is the odor of the urine, which has been likened to that 
voided by cats. This is noticed in many conditions calling for 
the remedy, including nocturnal enuresis (198). 

There is a general aggravation, under Viola tri., in winter (9) 
and from cold air (5). 

I use Viola tri. 3rd. 

VIPERA TORVA. 

German Viper. 

( Vipera berus — the common viper of England ; Vipera redi — the 
Italian viper.) 

We will refer simply to the use of Vipera for acute phlebitis 
and for varicose veins (205). 

The vein is swollen, bordered by an area of inflammation which 
is very sensitive to touch, but with this particular symptom 
when the remedy is called for; the sensation on letting the limb 
hang down, as if it would burst from the fulness of the veins. 

This is supposed by many to be the essential symptom of the 
remedy, and without it, it is not to be prescribed. 

XANTHOXYLUM. 

Xanthoxylum Americanum — Northern Prickly Ash. 
Yellow Wood — Toothache Tree. 

(Xanthoxylum — XdvOos, xanthos, yellow; XvAov, xylon, wood, 
from the yellow color of the heartwood.) 

The prickly ash is a shrub or small tree, with ash-like leaves, 
and branches armed with strong prickles. 

Xanthoxylum was first used by our Indians for neuralgic pains, 
gonorrhoea and rheumatism. It was first proved by Dr. Charles 
Cullis, of Boston, three men and three women taking part. The 
report of the proving being published 1861-66. 

This would be a good drug with which to make additional prov- 



786 MATERIA MEDICA. 

ings, as its sphere of usefulness is by no means fully known. 
Others besides our Indians have found relief from the pains of 
toothache by chewing the bark, but all that the proving brought 
out in reference to it, was pain in lower j aw and 1. side of face. 

As we know the remedy at present, it seems to have an especial 
affinity for the 1. side (125), for the sensory nerves and for the 
female sexual organs. 

It is useful in amenorrhcea from getting her feet wet (134), 
with headache (95), extreme nervousness, food causes distress 
and the sight of it nauseates (6). It has proved beneficial in 
amenorrhoea when there is leucorrhcea instead of the menses 
(136). 

The menses are too early and too painful and the severity of 
the pains has been my chief guide in the selection of the remedy, 
Hering describing them as " agonizing pains, driving patient 
almost distracted." 

It seems to be of especial value in neuralgic dysmenorrhea 
(139), which may be preceded by headache (96) over the 1. eye 
and accompanied with great bearing-down pains, mostly l.-sided, 
and extending down the thigh (139) along the course of the an- 
terior crural nerve, the menses being scanty (135), thick and 
black (136). 

It is of value for after-pains (153), with violent pains in the 
loins and lower part of the abdomen, and extending down the 1. 
thigh. 

It is to be thought of in sciatica that is worse in hot weather 
(164), and for sciatica of the anterior crural nerve (164). 

I use Xanthoxylum in the tincture. 

ZINCUM. 

Franz, one of Hahnemann's followers, first introduced this 
metal into our Materia Medica. He was assisted by five of his 
associates in the proving. Hahnemann's own contribution con- 
sists of 753 symptoms, which are believed to be simply the symp- 
toms observed on patients of his who were taking the 18th dilu- 
tion as a medicine. 



ZINCUM. 787 

The old school use many of the zinc salts, internally and exter- 
nally, but they do not use the metal. 

"Zinc, produces a marked derangement of the whole cerebro- 
spinal system/' and we find " delirium, spasms, violent neuralgias, 
tremblings, extreme hyperesthesia and paralysis. There seems 
no doubt that it affects not only the meninges of the brain and 
cord, but also the nerve-structure itself. Its action on mucous 
membranes is particularly seen in the eye, gastro-intestinal canal 
and bronchi. Its action on the blood is well established," pro- 
ducing like Plumbum, " marked anaemia (deficiency of red cor- 
puscles) with profound prostration" (Allen). 

We find in Zinc, aggravation towards evening and from wine 
(5) or stimulants; amelioration in the open air (9), from dis- 
charges, as from the chest, uterus, etc., and on the appearance 
of eruptions. 

Physical and mental exhaustion (155) are noticeable in the 
Zinc, patient and they are often associated with acute sensitive- 
ness of all cutaneous nerves (166) and with muscular unsteadiness. 
In many of the conditions calling for the remedy we find twitching 
of various muscles, especially of the feet (193). 

Zinc, is useful for convulsions due to suppression of the menses 
(36), for convulsions from suppression of eruptions (35) and 
from fright (36). 

It is to be thought of in epilepsy (66) in anaemic infants 
and children, and for chorea (31), with incessant movement, 
mostly of the feet and legs, and especially during sleep. It is 
indicated in delirium, accompanied by great exhaustion, with 
subsultus tendinum (183), coldness of extremities (71) and 
trembling of hands (192). 

The mental condition in Zinc, is generally lethargic, stupid, 
with weakness of memory, or great forgetfulness (133), and is 
associated with tendency to convulsions, sometimes with a feel- 
ing of paralysis, so that the extremities have to be rubbed. It 
is useful in brain-fag (93), from cerebral anaemia (90), with 
neuralgic headache, vertigo, blurring of one half of vision (104) 
and photophobia. 

For melancholia, Talcott speaks of it as follows: "When pro- 
51 



788 MATERIA MEDICA. 

longed mental overwork and close confinement have produced 
a state of forgetfulness, mental weakness, inability to apply the 
mind, broken and unrefreshing sleep, Zincum becomes a valuable 
remedy, aided by rest and change of scene. Many cases of 
melancholia present mental exhaustion as their immediate cause, 
and are helped by its administration ; and it is used when defective 
reaction and lack of trophic power retard recovery." It may 
prove useful as a palliative in general paresis (149). 

It is said that a suicidal tendency (183) or fear that one is to 
be arrested on account of a crime (53) is a marked indication 
for this remedy in mental alienation. 

There is vertigo in Zinc, often preceded by pressure at the 
root of the nose and a sensation as if the eyes were being drawn 
together by a cord (77). Vertigo with sensation as if he would 
fall to the left when walking (207). 

Headaches are common under Zinc, and we find as a prominent 
symptom, headache caused by, or worse from, the least amount 
of wine (98). The headaches may extend from the forehead to 
the vertex and occiput, with relief from hard pressure (92) on 
the sides of the head, always with aggravation from alcoholic 
stimulants (98), and associated with soreness of the scalp (91), 
photophobia and restlessness (160). With the headache we often 
find a sensation of a heavy weight pressing downward on the top 
of the head (103) ; sometimes there is a feeling of a heayv weight 
dragging the occiput backward or downward (107). It is useful 
for violent headaches in school children (95) who are overtaxed 
mentally, and Hering speaks of it for "chlorotic headaches, especi- 
ally in patients whose blood has been saturated with irony 

Zinc, is a valuable remedy in the different forms of hydrocepha- 
lus (119), either following cholera infantum (60), or idiopathic 
and apparently tubercular (119), with the general indications of 
roaring in the head, starting up in fright, tremulousness of the 
muscles (192) and constant motion of the feet; it is sometimes 
curative even after convulsions have set in. Also of value in 
meningitis (133), whether caused by suppressed exanthemata 
(133) or during teething, always characterized by the peculiar 
hyperesthesia of all the special senses, with twitching, trembling, 
squinting and even convulsions. 



ZINCUM. 789 

In the eye, Zinc, is useful for catarrhal conjunctivitis, especi- 
ally when confined to the inner canthi, and for pterygium (a 
vascular triangle thickening of a portion of the conjunctiva, that 
may spread to the pupil), especially that form that extends from 
the inner canthus, with smarting as from sand (77), burning, 
itching and lachrymation. We can keep in mind that Zinc, has 
as marked an affinity for the inner canthus as Graphites has for 
the outer. 

Zinc, may prove useful in difficult dentition (187); the child is 
weak, bores the head into the pillow, is inclined to squint, cries 
out in sleep, and in particular has restless feet (71). 

In the throat it can be thought of for globus hystericus (119), 
with a sensation of a ball rising up from the pit of the stomach. 

It has been found useful in atonic dyspepsia (178), with a 
feeling of goneness (179) or sinking at 11 a. m. (179). Whatever 
gastric or abdominal troubles the Zinc, patients may have do 
not offer them sugar, for which there is an aversion (6), or wine 
(176), as it causes nausea and increases the flatulence with which 
they are often troubled. It is useful for flatulent colic, with much 
rumbling and gurgling (11), " worse wine, towards evening and 
during the night, and at rest" (Hering), for lead colic (126) and 
for neuralgia of the bowels, with retraction of the abdomen (11). 
It has sometimes relieved some of the abdominal symptoms, 
flatulent colic especially, due to movable kidney. 

While not often indicated in the early stages of diarrhoea, it is 
frequently useful in the "latter stages of diarrhoea, dysentery" 
or cholera infantum, "when the cerebral symptoms indicate 
approaching hydrocephaloid ; deficient nerve power, convulsions" 
or boring of the head into the pillow, "pale face and without any 
rise of temperature" (Hering). The stools are green (59) 
mucous, sometimes associated with tenesmus (61). It is useful 
when sudden cessation of the diarrhoeaic discharge is followed by 
cerebral symptoms. 

Zinc, is the only remedy mentioned in the Handbook for 
hysterical retention of urine; it is also useful for paralysis of the 
bladder (22), with the resulting retention (22) and later with 
dribbling from the over-distention ; they can urinate only when 
sitting, or "when sitting bent backward" (Hering). 



790 MATERIA MEDICA. 

In the male sexual organs we find under Zinc, seminal emis- 
sions (167), with hypochondriasis (168) and general irritability, 
or easy excitability, with premature emission (167), It is useful 
for neuralgia of either testicle (188), with drawing pains and 
aggravation when walking. 

As a rule, under Zinc, women are relieved of their complaints 
during the menstrual flow (134). We find especially general 
restlessness (160), depression of spirits, tendency to coldness, and 
in particular the restlessness of the feet (71), "the fidgets" pre- 
ceding the flow. We may find neuralgia of the 1. ovary (147) 
preceding the menses, better from the flow (134). 

It is to be thought of in vicarious menstruation (138), with the 
general symptoms of the remedy, and in nymphomania (146), 
especially when caused by pruritus of the vulva (156), with aggra- 
vation at night. 

We may have cough, worse before and during the menses and 
" worse from wine" (Hering). 

Zinc, is to be thought of for children with a spasmodic cough, 
or with whooping cough, worse during the evening and at night. 
It is said to be characteristic of the remedy when during the 
spasms of cough the child grasps the genitals. It is to be thought 
of in bronchitis, with easy, profuse, frothy expectoration (69), 
the cough worse at night on lying down (41), with necessity to 
sit up (41). 

It is of value for asthmatic bronchitis or asthma (19), with 
constriction or oppression of the chest (29) and dyspnoea due 
to the accumulation of the mucus which is not easily raised, and 
with relief from expectoration. 

Zinc, has been used in locomotor ataxia (127), with trembling, 
unsteadiness of the extremities and Hghtning-like pains. It is of 
frequent use in spinal irritation (171), the whole body sensitive 
to touch (166), especially the last dorsal vertebrae, with aggrava- 
tion from sitting still and from stimulants. 

It is useful in lumbago, with pains running down the thighs 
(128), with aggravation when sitting, on rising from a chair and 
on stooping. It is also of value in sciatica, with restlessness of 
the feet (71), the pain extending the whole length of the leg 
worse at night (164) and from exertion. 



ZINGIBER. 791 

The restlessness of the feet (71), under Zinc, that we have so 
often referred to, may be your chief symptom in the selection of 
the remedy in many a condition of nervous restlessness and found 
especially in women, who refer to it as "the fidgets." It is worse 
in the evening, so that they are afraid to go to any entertainment, 
where they must sit still, keep their shoes buttoned, etc., and it 
is also very pronounced at night in bed, even when asleep. 

Zinc is of value for varicose veins (205), especially of the lower 
extremities; " varices extending to the labise," as one symptom 
reads. It is especially useful in chronic conditions after Pulsa- 
tilla has relieved the acute symptoms. 

It has formication of the feet and legs (82), as if bugs were 
crawling over the skin and preventing sleep. 

It has a restless sleep, with anxious dreams and perhaps night- 
mare. It has been recommended for somnambulism. 

Chamomilla, Nux vom. and wine are incompatible with Zinc 

I use Zinc 3rd. 

ZINGIBER. 

Ginger. 

Zingiber was first proved by Franz. 

There is morning headache, nausea and vomiting, sensation of 
a load or stone in the stomach (179) and much flatulence, pain 
and diarrhoea. 

Allen speaks of it for the vomiting of old drunkards (176) and 
for diarrhoea from drinking bad water (57) and Hering gives it 
credit for curing colic and diarrhoea caused by eating melons, 
particularly cantaloupes. 

It has relieved asthma (19) that was worse towards morning 
(21), with necessity to sit up in order to breathe (24). 

ZIZIA. 

Meadow Parsnip — Golden Alexanders. 

Zizia, the old name for this common weed, and the one Allen 
advises being retained, was first proved by Dr. E. E. Marcy, in 
1855. 



792 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Perhaps the most prominent use for this remedy is in chorea 
(31) and epilepsy, with spasmodic movements and twitchings of 
the muscles of the face and extremities (193), with aggravation 
at night during sleep. 

Allen speaks of it for intermittent neuralgia of the 1. ovary 
(147). 

Millspaugh, who took in all about 10 minims, found that the 
longest lasting sensation was as if the tongue had been scalded 
(140) with hot tea. 



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